Person
Organization GMO Internet Group
Country
    Websites

    Masatoshi Kumagai is the founder, chairman, and CEO of GMO Internet.[1] He was born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, on July 17, 1963.[2] He founded Voice Media (currently, GMO Internet) and was appointed as President and Representative Director in 1991. In 1999, the company became the first “Independent Internet Venture” in Japan.

    Awards

    • Nikkei Venture’s “Venture of the Year 1999” (2nd place for the category for IPO) won in 2000
    • Newsweek’s “Super CEOs (10 innovative businessmen from around the world)” in 2005
    • Keizaikai’s “38th Keizaikai Outstanding Businessman Award” in 2013
    • Zaikai’s “58th Zaikai Award & Businessman Award” in 2016
    • Kigyoka Club’s “19th Entrepreneur Award” in 2017
    • Keizaikai’s “46th Keizaikai Special Award” in 2022

    Fun Facts

    He is a licensed helicopter and airplane pilot, a licensed motorcycle driver, a first-class small vessel operator, and a PADI rescue diver. His hobbies include DJing, drinking wine, skiing, and collecting art and kimonos.[3]

    References