Kazuhiko Tone

Representative Director, Chief Officer Sales & Marketing

Specialization: Automotive Industry

"Experience builds trust. Clarity creates impact. Leadership means bringing both into motion."

With many years of international experience in the automotive industry, he possesses extensive expertise in operations planning, product planning, dealer network and franchise management, subsidiary operations, automotive finance and insurance, as well as sales and leadership training.

Born in Tokyo in 1969, he was educated in Oregon, USA. After gaining a broad understanding of the apparel business—from manufacturing to retail—he shifted his career focus early on to the automotive industry.

He gained hands-on experience in dealership operations and sales with ACURA and HONDA in both Japan and the United States, engaging in a wide range of responsibilities from frontline roles to management.

Subsequently, he served as Sales Director at Harley-Davidson Japan, where he also acted as a substitute Managing Director at times, driving the development and expansion of the dealer network.

At BMW Group Japan, he held roles as Sales Director and Director of Sales & Marketing, and was also a member of the Executive Committee, including the Financial Services executive board, where he was deeply involved in strategic business decisions.

Later, he led the establishment of the Japanese subsidiary of Porsche Holding, overseeing the entire project from founding the local entity to dealer acquisition and the transfer of business operations.

 

Phil Sprunger

Consultant

Specialization: Projectmanagement

‘Ideas become solutions - solutions become progress.’

Philipp Sprunger is an experienced project and programme manager with over 23 years of experience in the implementation of complex projects. He knows how to manage challenging projects in dynamic environments and how to involve a wide range of stakeholders in a targeted manner.

His broad industry knowledge includes ICT, telecommunications, healthcare, transport/public transport, energy and construction. This diversity enables him to recognise industry-specific challenges and develop viable solutions. He combines technical understanding with a clear view of market and customer needs.

Through his activities on the supplier and customer side, Philipp has a comprehensive understanding of value creation processes. He takes responsibility, leads teams in complex situations and achieves sustainable results - with a passion for doing and realising things.