Thirdverse Corporation Strengthens Management Structure for Overseas Growth Strategy, Masaru Ohnogi Appointed as CEO

TOKYO, August 8, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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Thirdverse, Co., Ltd (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Hironao Kunimitsu) announced a new management structure, effective August 8, 2024, to strengthen its overseas growth strategy. Under this new structure, Masaru Ohnogi (Director and CBO), who oversees the U.S. studio, will be appointed as Representative Director and CEO. Hironao Kunimitsu will become Representative Director and Chairman. Under this new management structure, the company aims to achieve further growth in the U.S. market, the center of the VR industry, and to realize its mission of “Creating a new virtual world for 1 billion people.”

In 2000, Masaru Ohnogi joined WebMoney, and while involved in overall company management, he was instrumental in expanding annual sales to over 22 billion yen in approximately seven years. In 2007, he became the head of Lupicia’s U.S. subsidiary, managing five stores in California and expanding the e-commerce system and wholesale business. In 2010, he was appointed President and CEO of GCREST America, where he planned and operated the avatar community service “TinierMe,” gaining 5 million users in three years. In 2012, he joined gumi, serving as Executive Officer and CEO of overseas subsidiaries, and later became the head of gumi America. He launched Seoul XR Startups and Nordic XR Startups, identifying local partners and speaking at over 30 conferences annually. He is well-versed in VR content and technology. Since October 2020, he has served as Director and CBO of Thirdverse, overseeing the U.S. studio. He resides in Burlingame, California.

Thirdverse Representative Director and Chairman Hironao Kunimitsu: “Mr. Ohnogi has been a colleague since my time as CEO of gumi, and I am very pleased to see him appointed as Representative Director, President, and CEO. His extensive experience and deep knowledge are essential for Thirdverse’s next growth phase. This transition to a new management structure is a significant step in our growth strategy. Together, we will strive to create cutting-edge futures and become pioneers in providing new experiences to users worldwide. With our strong team, we will continue to challenge ourselves to be the best in the world at Thirdverse. Please look forward to our continued growth. VR is Now!”

Thirdverse Representative Director and CEO Masaru Ohnogi: “In the U.S. market, the VR industry continues to grow rapidly, centered on Meta’s ‘Meta Quest’ devices. In February of this year, Apple began selling its ‘Vision Pro’ device in the U.S., and many other companies have announced their entry into the market, indicating further global market expansion. Additionally, it is very interesting that the VR market is rapidly expanding among younger users, particularly teenagers. VR offers a level of immersion incomparable to experiences from screens like TVs, PCs, and smartphones, captivating the new generation of users. At Thirdverse, we will continue to pursue new and astonishing VR entertainment and challenge ourselves to dominate the world as a Japanese company.”

New Management Structure: