Sako Assumes CEO Role at Mercari Marketplace, Succeeding Yamamoto

Portfolio - People | Feb 25, 2025 | Aim Group

Sako Assumes CEO Role at Mercari Marketplace, Succeeding Yamamoto

Shunsuke Sako will take over the CEO role of Mercari’s flagship Marketplace division in Japan from Masato Yamamoto, effective March 1. Sako, who joined Mercari in November 2021, previously served as VP of the cross-border unit and GM of cross-border operations. Yamamoto remains as an executive officer and head of Mercari Group's Japan businesses. During Yamamoto's tenure as CEO, Mercari innovated with services such as pay-per-click advertising and automated car trading. Sako brings experience from his previous roles at Unison Capital and Minit Asia Pacific. As CEO, Sako aims to enhance Mercari's marketplace to facilitate global buying and selling. The Marketplace division contributed nearly 60% of Mercari Group's revenue in late 2024.

Sectors

  • E-commerce
  • Technology

Geography

  • Japan – The focus of the article is on Mercari, a company headquartered in Japan, with leadership changes relevant to the Japanese market.
  • Asia-Pacific – Sako’s previous experience includes leadership positions across the Asia-Pacific region, indicating the company's regional strategy and influence.

Industry

  • E-commerce – The article is centered around Mercari, an online marketplace platform facilitating consumer-to-consumer transactions.
  • Technology – Mercari is part of the technology industry, especially focusing on digital marketplaces and innovation through tech solutions like pay-per-click advertising and automated services.

Financials

  • 60% – The proportion of Mercari Group's revenue from the Marketplace division in the three months to December 2024.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Shunsuke SakoIncoming CEO of Mercari MarketplacePeopleCurrently VP of Mercari's cross-border operations, stepping into the CEO role for the Marketplace division.
Masato YamamotoOutgoing CEO of Mercari Marketplace; Executive Officer and Head of Japan BusinessesPeoplePreviously CEO of the Marketplace division, now focusing on Japan region operations.
MercariCompanyCompaniesA Japanese e-commerce company providing a global marketplace platform.
Unison Capital, Inc.Former Employer of SakoCompaniesPrivate equity firm where Sako served before joining Mercari.