Our Management Team
Nobuya Yamanaka
President and Founder
Career Highlights
| Jan 2015 | Founded Optimus Group Co., Ltd. — President |
|---|---|
| Apr 1988 | Founded Nichibo (Japan Trading) Co., Ltd. — President |
Nobuya Yamanaka founded his first company in 1988, initially importing high-end seafood from New Zealand, laying the groundwork for what would become Optimus Group.
In 1989, he expanded into the used car export business from Japan, leveraging changes in New Zealand’s import regulations. Over time, he broadened his reach into various automotive sectors, including inspection and logistics, establishing a integrated value chain.
Under his leadership, the Group’s expansion into the Australian market, including the new car sector, marked a significant milestone in its growth.
Nobuya’s passion for motorsports also drove him to compete in the 2020 Le Mans LMP2 class, finishing 18th out of 59 cars, reflecting his dedication and determination.
Robert Andrew Young
DirectorClient Services, Export/Import, and New Zealand Market
| Oct 2022 | Appointed Director, Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Aug 2018 | Appointed Director, Optimus Group New Zealand Limited (Currently) |
| Jun 2015 | Appointed Director, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
| Feb 2015 | Appointed Director, Universal Finance Company Limited (Currently) |
| May 2013 | Appointed Director, Nichibo Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
| May 2010 | Appointed Director, Universal Property Limited (Currently) |
| Apr 2009 | Appointed Director, Auto Finance Direct Limited (Currently) |
| Dec 2008 | Appointed Director, Trade Cars Limited (Currently) |
| Sep 2004 | Appointed Director, Auto Advance Finance Limited (Currently) |
| May 2004 | Appointed Director, Nichibo New Zealand Limited |
| Mar 2002 | Joined Nichibo (Japan Trading) Co., Ltd. as General Manager |
| Jul 1998 | Appointed Director, Vehicle Solutions Limited |
Martin Fraser McCullough
DirectorLogistics and New Zealand Market
| May 2024 | Appointed Director, Autocare Services Pty Ltd (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Apr 2023 | Appointed Director, Auto Advance Finance Australia Pty Ltd (Currently) |
| Sep 2018 | Appointed Director, Optimus Group Australia Pty Ltd (Currently) |
| Aug 2018 | Appointed Director, Optimus Group New Zealand Limited (Currently) |
| Mar 2016 | Appointed Director, Fasttrack Automotive Compliance 2006 Limited (Currently) |
| Feb 2016 | Appointed President and Representative Director, Compass Logistics |
| Jun 2015 | Appointed Director, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
| Mar 2015 | Appointed Director, Compass Auto Logistics Limited |
| Feb 2015 | Appointed Director, Universal Finance Company Limited |
| Feb 2012 | Appointed Director, Dolphin Shipping Agencies Limited (Currently Dolphin Shipping New Zealand Limited) |
| Aug 2002 | Appointed Director, NCC Car Carriers Limited |
John Startari
DirectorRetail/Wholesale and Australian Market
| May 2024 | Appointed Non-Executive Director, Autocare Services Pty Ltd (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Dec 2023 | Appointed Non-Executive Director, Autopact Pty Ltd (Currently) |
| Aug 2023 | Appointed Director, IWholesaleCars Pty Ltd (Currently) Appointed Director, Car Empire Pty Ltd (Currently) Appointed Director, Auto Edge Australia Pty Ltd (Currently) |
| Apr 2023 | Appointed Director, Auto Advance Finance Australia Pty Ltd (Currently) |
| Jun 2022 | Appointed Director, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
| Jan 2022 | Appointed Non-Executive Director, Blue Flag Pty Ltd (Currently) |
| Jan 2021 | Appointed President and CEO, Optimus Group Australia Pty Ltd (Currently) Appointed Director, Dolphin Shipping Australia Pty Ltd (Currently) Appointed Director, Global Carz Pty Ltd (Currently) Appointed Non-Executive Director, OzCar Pty Ltd (Currently) |
| Jul 2018 | Appointed Partner, Deloitte Australia |
| Oct 2013 | Appointed Director, Peugeot Automobiles Australia |
| Dec 2012 | Appointed Director, Citroën Automobiles Australia |
| Jan 2005 | Appointed Managing Director, Lotus Cars Australia |
| Jul 2002 | Appointed Managing Director, Proton Cars Australia |
| Feb 1997 | Appointed After Sales Manager, Proton Cars Australia |
Hiroaki Iwaoka
DirectorBusiness Administration
| Jun 2020 | Appointed Director, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Jun 2018 | Appointed External Director (Audit and Other Committee Member), Optimus Group |
| Nov 2015 | Appointed Managing Director, CFO, and Head of the Administration Division at Mitsui Bussan Steel Products Sales Co. (now NS Kenpan) |
| Oct 2013 | (Seconded) Managing Director, CFO and General Manager, Administration Division, Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd. |
| Dec 2009 | General Manager, Metals Business Management Office and the Consolidated Management Support Office, Metals Business Department, MITSUI & CO., LTD. |
| Jan 2005 | Appointed Regional CFO, Mitsui Europe plc (also serving concurrently as Director and CFO, Mitsui & Co. Germany GmbH) |
| Dec 2002 | General Manager, Corporate Process Division, Corporate Reform Department, MITSUI & CO., LTD. |
| May 2002 | General Manager, Planning and Systems Division, CFO, MITSUI & CO., LTD. |
| Apr 1982 | Joined MITSUI & CO., LTD. |
Maya Ito
Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member
| Apr 2023 | Appointed Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, J-WILL Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Jun 2021 | Appointed Outside Executive Director, Net One Systems Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
| Apr 2021 | Appointed Outside Director, Human Life CORD Japan Inc. (Currently) |
| Jun 2019 | Appointed Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
| Jan 2016 | Appointed Partner, Nishimura & Asahi (Currently) |
| Aug 2012 | Lecturer, SME University of Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation |
| Apr 2010 | Lecturer, Surugadai University Law School |
| Oct 2002 | Registered as a lawyer, joined Nishimura & Asahi |
Nobuo Nagasaki
Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member
| Jun 2020 | Appointed Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Apr 2016 | Appointed Executive Officer, Accounting, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd. |
| Feb 2016 | Appointed Outside Director, Maruka Machinery Co., Ltd. |
| Feb 2011 | Appointed Outside Auditor, Maruka Machinery Co., Ltd. |
| Apr 2010 | Appointed Executive Officer, Accounting, Aioi Insurance Co., Ltd. (now Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd.) |
| Jan 2008 | Appointed General Manager, Affiliated Companies Finance Division, Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Jan 2003 | Appointed Group Finance Officer, Accounting & Finance Division, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Europe |
| Jan 2000 | Appointed Vice President (Seconded), Accounting, Toyota Motor Australia |
| Apr 1978 | Joined Toyota Motor Corporation |
Nobuaki Fuse
Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member
| Jun 2020 | Appointed Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Apr 2018 | Established NF Partners LLC, Assumed Managing Partner (Currently) |
| Jul 2016 | Established Accounting and Auditing Research Centre, Assumed Managing Director (Currently) |
| Dec 2015 | Established Kyosuke Fuse CPA & SMEC Office, Assumed Managing Director (Currently) |
| Jul 2002 | Appointed Partner, Tohmatsu & Aoki Audit Corporation Served as Director, Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA) Served as Specialist Member, Audit Committee of the Business Accounting Council at the Financial Services Agency Served as Specialist Researcher, Accounting Standards Board of Japan (ASBJ) |
| Apr 1988 | Joined Tohmatsu & Aoki Audit Corporation (now Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC) |
Futoshi Osada
Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member
| Jun 2023 | Appointed Chief Operating Officer, Japan Weather Association (JWA) (Currently) |
|---|---|
| Jun 2022 | Appointed Trustee, Air Traffic Control Association (ATCAJ) (Currently) |
| Jun 2022 | Appointed Outside Director, Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, Optimus Group Co., Ltd. (Currently) |
| Mar 2020 | Appointed Director, Japan Association of Marine Safety (JAMS) |
| Jun 2019 | Appointed Representative and Chairman, Japan Weather Association (JWA) |
| Jun 2017 | Appointed Senior Executive Vice President, Narita International Airport Corporation |
| Jun 2015 | Appointed Executive Vice President, Narita International Airport Corporation |
| Oct 2014 | Appointed Advisor, Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co. |
| Sep 2012 | Appointed Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Director General, Secretariat of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy) |
| Sep 2011 | Appointed Director General, Civil Aviation Bureau, Ministry of Transport |
| Jul 2004 | Appointed Manager, Ports and Harbours Bureau, Ministry of Transport |
| Apr 1978 | Joined Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) |