Weber Shandwick Japan Chairman Takeo Nishitani Awarded Officer in the Order of the Orange-Nassau Royal Decoration by the Netherlands 

TOKYO, 13 October, 2014 – Takeo Nishitani, chairman of Weber Shandwick in Japan has been bestowed the honour of Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands for his exceptional contribution to maintaining ties between the two countries. The award ceremony and reception was held on 25 September, at the official residence of H.E. Mr. Radinck Jan Van Vollenhoven, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan, who presented the distinction on behalf of the king.

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The grade of Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau is one of six classes within the Order. Royal decorations are only conferred on individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the Netherlands.

“After graduating from university in Japan, the first place I worked was the tourist information office for the city of Amsterdam,” said Nishitani. “Since then, I’ve worked with various Dutch companies and organizations that have sought business relationships or friendships with Japan for the past 40 years. It is a great honour to be recognized with such high distinction by the King of the Netherlands – a place I consider my second home. This distinction is not for me, but for all of my partners and friends in both Japan and the Netherlands, who are deserving of recognition for the roles they played and continue to play to further ties between our two countries. I am committed and look forward to continuing efforts to support this important relationship.”

 

As chairman of Weber Shandwick in Japan, Nishitani provides strategic counsel to major clients in utilities, healthcare, manufacturing, financial and consumer/entertainment organizations, and public institutions. He has also held postings with the firm in Saudi Arabia to help Japanese multinational corporations develop their position in new markets. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Nishitani worked in the Netherlands promoting Japanese inward direct investment and tourism for the Amsterdam Promotion Foundation. He is the author of “Public Affairs Strategy,” published by Toyo Keizai in December, 2011, and co-author of “Future Managers” by the Japan Productivity Center.

 

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