Sourcing

Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division

SourcingApr 11, 2025

Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

Kentaro Nishimura
Kentaro Nishimura is the new president and CEO of Mikimoto America. He succeeds Yasuhiko Hashimoto, who has headed the division since 2019.
New York—Mikimoto promoted from within when selecting a new leader for the U.S. market.

The company announced Thursday that Kentaro Nishimura, currently chief operating officer of Mikimoto America, is now president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

He succeeds Yasuhiko Hashimoto, who will remain with the company but focus on the broader global business, a company spokesperson said.

Nishimura’s appointment comes at a time when long-standing luxury brands, like Mikimoto, are looking to appeal to a younger generation of consumers by putting a modern spin on classic designs.

In late 2024, the pearl brand unveiled a collection made in collaboration with Chrome Hearts, a high-end fashion brand with an edgy, rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Nishimura started working at Mikimoto in Japan in 1997, managing the company’s retail and wholesale gift operations. 

He later joined the custom product team, creating bespoke pieces for corporate clients.
 
Nishimura relocated to the United States in 2000, starting as an assistant manager in Las Vegas.

Over the years, he has held leadership roles in purchasing and merchandising before ultimately being promoted to COO. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

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