In this edition of Voces de la Cámara, we speak with Yannick Derrien, Japan General Manager and Representative Director at Lladró, to learn more about his professional journey, connection with Japan, and perspective on leadership, business culture, and working in an international environment.
1. How long have you been in Japan and what brought you here?
My first time in Japan was when I had to do a year abroad as part of my studies at my home university in France. I picked Japan because I wanted to have an adventure by selecting a country that was far away from mine, geographically of course, but also culturally…
I became really interested in Japan thanks to my exchange program year here. I discovered a beautiful country, travelled extensively in the countryside, enjoyed the temples and shrines, and met people whom I found really easy to connect with. This may be surprising for people from “Latin countries,” where people speak their minds more openly than the Japanese (including the French), but I do appreciate the level of respect people demonstrate towards each other in daily life and in business.
2. What did you study and how did your career path lead you to your current role?
I studied Political Science at first, and then I attended HEC Business School, where I majored in Marketing. Japanese was a kind of “hobby on the side” that I pursued after my exchange program. Of course, thanks to this one-year program, I was able to master the language quite well.
I had my first experience in corporate finance in Europe before coming back to Japan. Since then, I have always worked in the retail industry (fashion, jewelry, and now porcelain) in the capacity of “Head of the Brand” for Japan (depending on the company’s size and organization: CEO, Division Head, Country Manager…). I have had responsibilities for other Asian countries as well.
I see myself as a very customer-oriented General Manager, spending much more time in the sales network, with the sales team, than in an office.
3. What originally motivated you to pursue an international career?
I enjoy the opportunity to discover new countries and different cultures through my work. I also believed it would be a career accelerator.
4. When you first arrived in Japan / started to work with a Spanish Company what aspects of the professional culture stood out to you the most?
When I first arrived in Japan for work, I was impressed by how much my Japanese counterparts (colleagues/partners) would insist on how different Japan is.
For international brands, there is always a need to adapt and understand the differences in a country where they want to develop, but I have always believed that the fundamentals of business can be applied. So, it is important both to receive this kind of feedback from them and to translate it into actionable principles that can be understood in another culture/country.
5. What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for leading teams in Japan?
Being a good communicator and having a strategic mind to lead people towards their goals, without hoping to take shortcuts or achieve easy wins.
6. Looking back at your career so far, is there a moment or decision that significantly shaped your professional path?
In 2017, I decided to join a French children’s clothing company and stayed there until 2025. I especially appreciated the opportunity to start a business from scratch, developing the market from 0 to 18 stores and leveraging this experience to oversee development in the rest of Asia.
7. Japan can be a unique business environment. Was there any cultural difference that surprised you when you first arrived?
Many companies are surprised by the length of negotiations required to reach an agreement. I was also surprised by how long certain administrative processes can take, sometimes just to put a stamp on a document.
8. What does a typical day look like as Country Manager of Ladró?
Morning:
- – Checking the important emails received during the night from the HQ team in Spain and acting on them if necessary.
Mid-day, a mix of the following:
- – Meeting with team members to check on ongoing projects, coach them or challenge their actions.
- – Visiting stores.
- – Analysis / presentation building for upcoming reviews or meetings.
From 4–5 PM until 7–8 PM:
- – Having several online meetings with the HQ team in Spain to report, follow up on projects, and discuss issues.
9. What do you enjoy the most about living and working in Japan?
The stability, reliability, and safety of the country make surprises rare and negative trends less brutal than in many other parts of the world…