Takayuki (Taka) Wakai
Partner
Takayuki (Taka) Wakai is a Partner in DHR’s Industrial and Life Science Practice Groups, bringing more than 25 years of experience serving in human resources, talent acquisition, and organizational development roles across diverse industries and geographies. He’s worked with U.S. and European multinational corporations as well as high-growth startups, advising on leadership strategy, workforce expansion, and operational excellence.
Takayuki (Taka) Wakai
twakai@dhrglobal.com +81 3 4563 7500Experience
Takayuki has held senior Human Resources (HR) leadership roles at Intuitive Surgical Japan, Mercer Japan Ltd., Nobel Biocare Holding AG, and Medtronic Japan Co. Ltd., where he managed key functions such as recruitment, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, and organizational development. As Head of HR for a fast-growing startup, he scaled the organization from its early stages to a 300-person team, overseeing all aspects of HR strategy and execution.
With expertise in leadership development, corporate operations, and cross-border talent strategy, Takayuki helps organizations identify and secure executives who drive business growth.
He earned a master’s degree in industrial relations and HR management from the University of Sydney and a bachelor’s degree in law from Waseda University in Tokyo. Fluent in Japanese, English, and Mandarin Chinese, he brings a global perspective to leadership consulting. Takayuki is certified in Predictive Index® Analysis and HBDI® Assessment.