IAN(IKUO) KANJA

Results-driven Program Management with over 9 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in the development and launch of automotive infotainment and control systems. Proven ability to manage complex global programs from R&D to mass production, while aligning engineering, manufacturing, and quality across regions. Strong technical foundation developed at Panasonic Japan R&D HQ and manufacturing sites. Known for strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and delivering high-quality results under tight timelines.

Managed product promotion and RFI/RFQ quote activities for global OEMs including BMW, Daimler, Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Stellantis(Fiat Chrysler), Ford, General Motors. Successfully facilitated executive visits to Japan for BMW, Daimler, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Harley-Davidson, Ford and General Motors, introducing Panasonic’s latest automotive product lineups. Demonstrated strong communication and coordination skills to support new business development and enhance customer trust and engagement.

Sales impact: Contributed to over $1.5B in global revenue through successful program execution and new business acquisition.

• Managed $500M/year program and achieved operational profit 7% (Total $150M) by coordinating cross-functional team and related suppliers in global.
• Accomplished the first Automotive display business($250M sales) creation in Europe market through display promotion project.
• Achieved planned $2M sales in mobile image sensor market by leading eco-system build with coordination more than 10 suppliers such as set maker, lens/module supplier and signal processor manufacturers.

Program Management Execution

• Oversee and assume responsibility for large project scope, plan & develop methods, procedures and timing for implementation of new product launches according to PLS(Program Launch System) and GPMP(Global Project Management Process).
• Work with all departments and hold accountable all participating individuals to successful execution of project teams.
• Maintains summary program status charts & documentation.
• Supports any 'red' items with root cause explanation and recovery plans.

Financial Management

• Develop cost models and simulates local and global profit/loss models.
• Understand product profitability contributors and overall impact related to programs.
• Strive for ITAKONA(VA/VE) opportunity, while ensuring closure.
• Evaluate and pursue cost improvements (Overhead, Labor, Development and Manufacturing) and other key cost contributors (Sales / Penetration Rates).

Communication Leadership

• Elicit command add control over all aspects of an assigned project, leading internal & external Project Development Team meetings.
• Build trust with project members; lead, coordinate and strengthen teamwork, and direct project members where appropriate.

• PMP - Project Management Professional, PMI - Dec 2020
• Business Strategy, McKinsey & Company - 2024
• Management Accelerator, McKinsey & Company - 2024
• Adaptability & Resilience, McKinsey & Company - 2024
• Problem Solving, McKinsey & Company - 2024

Resident Support Volunteer, International Student Dormitory Apr 2007 – Mar 2010

• Assisted non-Japanese-speaking students and families in daily life and adaptation to Japanese society.
• Organized and led company visits for international students to promote understanding of Japanese corporate culture. Examples: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Corporation

President, Student Council – Toyohashi University of Technology Apr 2007 – Mar 2008

• Acted as a bridge between the student body and university administration to improve student life.
• Led initiatives to support both academic and cultural integration.

Participant, International Youth Exchange Program – Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

• Selected to represent the university in a prestigious international exchange program sponsored by the Cabinet Office.
• Engaged in cultural dialogue and policy discussions with youth leaders from around the world.

• Ikuo Kanja, "High sensitivity ultrasonic transducer array for 2-D hydropohone application, using an epitaxial PZT thin film grown on γ-Al2O3/Si ", TRANSDUCERS 2009 - 2009 International Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Conference, IEEE, 2009.
• Nagaya Okada, Ikuo Kanja, et al., "Fabrication of MEMS diaphragm transducer array based on epitaxial PZT thin film for 2-D hydrophone application", 2008 IEEE Ultrasonics Symposium, IEEE, 2008.
• Daisuke Akai, Ikuo Kanja, et al., “Miniature ultrasound acoustic imaging devices using 2-D pMUTs array on epitaxial PZT/SrRuO3/Pt/³-Al2O3/Si structure", TRANSDUCERS 2011 - 2011 16th International Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Conference, IEEE, 2011.