Gusto Collective, a brandtech group, has announced strategic expansion plans into Japan with a new base in Tokyo. It also said it would hire two managing partners to further support its new operations.
Gusto Collective Japan managing partners Gwen Nguyen (left) and Shabaz Hussain. / Photo credit: Gusto Collective
Shabaz Hussain will be help in the launch and growth of Gusto Collective Japan. Hussain has 12 years of brand leadership experience, especially in entertainment, digital media, and branded content at Octagon, McCann Worldgroup, and BBDO.
Gwen Nguyen will be joining Hussain at Gusto Collective Japan as a managing partner. She has over a decade of experience in the Japanese tech industry at firms such as Gartner, Sony, and Hitachi, and a specialization in digital transformation.
The expansion is aligned with Gusto’s growth strategy and its goal to further establish its Asia-Pacific presence.
Additionally, Japanese brands on the whole have shown more interest in new tech – NTT Docomo has invested US$4 billion into Web3, while Bandai Namco has developed its Gundam Metaverse.
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“Against this backdrop, we’re witnessing an increase in demand from our partner clients for immersive experiences and products on a wider regional level,” Aaron Lau, Gusto Collective founder and CEO, said in a statement.
Founded in Hong Kong in 2020, Gusto Collective helps brands deliver next-generation customer experiences through Web3, augmented and virtual reality, the metaverse, and NFTs.
The firm has 170 employees across Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, and Shanghai, with a client roster which includes Harrods, Canada Goose, Estee Lauder Companies, and LVMH.
Editing by Miguel Cordon
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