BIO
Ed Hayward

Ed Hayward is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and public speaker with a strong focus on talent acquisition in the manufacturing sector. With over three decades of experience, Ed has built a career centered around solving complex business challenges, particularly in bridging the gap between Japanese and North American companies in the automotive industry.

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His journey began with notable roles at Bridgestone Corporation and Heinz Japan, where he honed his skills in cross-cultural management and talent acquisition. Fluent in Japanese, he spent 12 years working in the Pacific Rim, gaining invaluable insights into the region's business practices.

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In 2001, Ed founded Xecutive Consulting, a firm dedicated to connecting Japanese and North American automotive companies, including major clients like Toyota and Honda.

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Beyond his work in talent acquisition, Ed has a passion for mentoring entrepreneurs. He has coached more than 100 startups across North America and Asia, offering guidance on raising capital, networking, and lean startup methodologies. In 2019, he took on a new challenge with Pasona North America, where he led the restructuring of their staffing department, developed an executive search group, and provided comprehensive training for recruiters and managers.

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Ed’s approach to business is deeply personal - he treats his clients as partners, taking ownership of their challenges and successes.

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Currently, he lives in Japan and divides his time between Japan and the US, continuing to drive success for his clients on both sides of the Pacific.