CEO Insights Magazine

Kobe University has nurtured many distinguished alumni who have gone on to become influential leaders across various sectors. These alumni not only excel in their respective fields but also play an essential role in mentoring the next generation of graduates. Their contributions extend beyond individual success, helping to strengthen networks, foster collaboration, and support the growth of both the university and society at large. Among the university's accomplished alumni is Yasuyuki Hattori, CEO of Connecty Co., Ltd. After graduating from the Faculty of Economics in 1998, Yasuyuki Hattori joined Sony Corporation, where he gained extensive experience across multiple departments, including HR, product planning, business strategy, and digital advertising. His entrepreneurial drive led him to participate in the prestigious Single Silicon Valley Startup Project at age 30, securing investment from venture capitalists and business companies.

As the CEO of Connecty, a leader in cloud-based CMS services, Hattori has guided the company to achieve the No. 1 market share in Japan's manufacturing sector. His leadership continues to shape Connecty’s growth both domestically and internationally, cementing his position as a prominent figure in the tech industry. Let’s read on.

How would you describe your experience studying at Kobe University?

At Kobe University, I studied macroeconomics within the Faculty of Economics for four years. While my focus wasn’t on business-related fields like marketing or technology, I gained an important perspective on viewing the world through data and statistics. This approach has shaped my ability to objectively assess myself and my company's services, while also taking proactive actions based on anticipated societal changes.

Additionally, I was a member of the lacrosse club, competing in league matches with the goal of becoming Japan's best. I was a key player for my university and represented the Kansai region, training as a candidate for the national team. This experience was formative, teaching me to strive for excellence and highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving goals that cannot be accomplished alone.

What are the key traits and elements of the leadership style you developed during your time at university?

During my university days, I demonstrated leadership through my involvement in the lacrosse club. Along with improving my skills as a key player, I took a proactive role in building relationships with alumni, seniors, teammates, and juniors. Specifically, I led recruitment efforts and facilitated exchanges between alumni and current members. This experience inspired the creation of 'Fellowship', a code of conduct for teamwork at Connecty. It reflects our commitment to collaboration, drawing from my university experience of working together, regardless of age, toward a common goal of being the best in Japan.

What advanced technologies and facilities did your university offer that motivated you to enhance and develop your skills?

At Kobe University, we regularly hosted classes featuring industry leaders who shared their expertise with us. As a student, I benefited from this experience, and after graduating, I was invited to return as a business leader to teach students, including in entrepreneurship. I believe that interacting with professionals from various industries at an early stage significantly broadens students' perspectives and expands their horizons.

How did your university experience help you gain the knowledge and values needed to navigate the challenges of modern society?

As a freshman at university, I experienced the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, a devastating disaster with a magnitude of over 7. Half of the town I lived in was destroyed, and I narrowly escaped my apartment. Afterward, I spent more than six months without water or electricity, waiting for reconstruction. During this time, Kobe University provided temporary housing for those who lost their homes, and the university and its staff worked closely with the community. Students adapted to this challenging environment and continued their studies.

This experience taught me the importance of community support, building networks, and fostering cooperation in times of disaster. These values form the foundation of Connecty’s efforts, including our SDGs service site and our support for sports programs for intellectually disabled individuals, in addition to our main business.

What are your predictions for future technolog­ical advancements and market opportunities?

Advancements in communication technologies, both in hardware and software, are undoubtedly closing the information gap, enabling easier multilingual development. We believe these digital innovations will foster a more inclusive society, allowing individuals with disabilities to access information on a more equal footing.

At Connecty, we focus on providing a highly in­tuitive CMS (Content Management System), making it easier for businesses to share information. In addi­tion, we invest in technologies that streamline multi­lingual development and facilitate the distribution of inclusive content.

What is the next step you aim to take in your professional career?

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our cloud CMS services by not only selling directly to customers but also reselling to industry partners. This will allow more companies to benefit from our services. We aim to elevate Connecty to the next level by creating an ecosystem, moving beyond offering cloud services solely in-house.

Yasuyuki Hattori, CEO, Connecty

Yasuyuki Hattori, CEO of Connecty, is a Kobe University graduate with a strong background in cloud CMS services. He leads the company’s expansion, focusing on building partnerships, creating an ecosystem for inclusive digital solutions, and driving Connecty’s growth both domestically and internationally.