New York, N.Y.
The Kitano Hotel New York appointed Atsushi Koike to director, marketing and business development. Koike joins the team from Dentsu, Inc. advertising agency in Japan.
As a director, Koike is tasked with expanding the customer base of the hotel through researched marketing and promotion campaigns. Koike brings a skillset unique to The Kitano team, which includes market research and analysis, customer development strategy, business plans, as well as business-to-consumer and business-to-business marketing and promotions. His responsibilities include enriching customer service and amenities, and devising and advancing sales promotion plans and events for New York-based travel agents and Japanese-owned corporations in the U.S.
“As a true member of the Kitano family, Atsushi Koike joins us with a unique understanding of our brand, while bringing valuable consumer and business expertise to the team. We have set ambitious goals for the coming years that I am confident Atsushi will play a key role in helping achieve,” said Zack Zahran, general manager of The Kitano Hotel New York.
Koike completed his bachelor’s degree in economics and finance at Bentley University in 2009. In 2011, he joined Dentsu, Inc. where he worked on marketing and promotions for one of the major electronics companies, which included media planning, sales and events promotions, customer segment analysis, and customer targeting. As son of The Kitano’s owner Mrs. Yoshiko Koike and heir to Kitano Arms Corporation, Koike joined the board of directors in August 2016, and this role will further integrate him into the company.
“I am excited to have joined such a passionate team. My first priority for my family business will be to implement a marketing strategy to support the acquisition of new business, introduce new business ideas and develop e-commerce,” said Koike. “I look forward to using my brand-building knowledge to grow The Kitano’s reputation and customer base.”
The Kitano Hotel New York opened in 1973 and is still the only Japanese-owned hotel in New York City. Located four blocks south of Grand Central Station, the hotel features 150 guest rooms, including 18 suites and a one-of-a-kind Japanese Tatami Suite. The hotel is the home to JAZZ at KITANO, a supper club located in a former Rockefeller townhouse adjacent to the hotel, featuring daily performances of classic and contemporary jazz accompanied by a Pan-Asian inspired menu. The property offers six meeting rooms with space for up to 70 guests as well as a 1,400-square-foot penthouse with two terraces that can accommodate 150 people. Groups up to 80 can also use JAZZ at KITANO for private events.
