MMA: Yoshiaki Ito named President of ONE Championship (Japan)

Former Haier Asia Group CEO, Yoshiaki Ito has been named as President of ONE Championship (Japan), in a move to expand its reach into the country and other Asian nations in the near future.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ito said he will focus his efforts on developing the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) in the Japanese market.

"I am elated to join ONE Championship, one of the greatest global sports brands. It’s amazing to be a part of the rapid growth of MMA in Asia," he said.

"Japan has always enjoyed sports entertainment and ONE Championship’s unique live event atmosphere is something I am delighted to share with Japanese fans," added the founder of X-TANK Consulting.

Ito was also a former Senior Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment. During his tenure at Haier, he was responsible for US$1.2 billion in revenue and over 6,400 employees.

Popularly known in inside circles as a business maverick, Ito’s business and leadership talent has immensely boosted the performance of every organisation he has led.

Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Ito speaks three languages -- Japanese, Thai, and English.

He has also received various awards throughout his career including being named among the Top 100 global leaders/innovators of 2015 by Nikkei Business.

Meanwhile, ONE Championship CEO Victor Cui said the organisation would continue to scout top executives talents from various fields to become part of its elite senior management team.

"Yoshiaki Ito is an excellent asset to have on our team. He, along with our very capable leadership, will be responsible for taking our organization to the next level and beyond.

"We are excited at the possibilities and welcome Ito-san to the ONE Championship family,” he said.

ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asia. It is the first major MMA promotion to hold a live event in mainland China as well as Bangkok, Thailand with future markets in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Australia.

Its events are broadcasted to a potential one billion homes in over 118 countries worldwide.