Hajime Aota

Hajime “Jim” Aota is the Chairman of Yamaha Motor Ventures and Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV).

Jim comes from Yamaha Motor Corporation, Ltd. headquarters based in Iwata, Japan. Before being promoted to CEO, he led the Corporate Planning Division which is responsible for playing a crucial role in continuing the growth strategy of the entire global Yamaha Motor Group. Mr. Aota was also a leader in making Yamaha’s 2030 long-term vision "Art for Human Possibilities" and continues to inspire its success.

Prior to joining Yamaha Motor, Jim had been with Mitsui & Co., Ltd, one of the largest trading firms, with experience working in Tokyo, New York, Detroit and London. Jim received his PLD from the Harvard Business School and graduated faculty of Political Science from Keio University.