#Japan #Shibuya #Coconala #Data & AI #Shuhei Furuta

Coconala Welcomes Shuhei Furuta as VP of Data & AI

Coconala, a leading platform in Japan's skill market, has officially announced the appointment of Shuhei Furuta as its new Executive Officer, responsible for leading the Data and AI sector. This strategic move aligns with the company's goal to enhance its competitive edge and ensure sustainable growth through the innovative use of data-driven technologies.

Rationale Behind the Appointment

In today’s fast-paced digital world, leveraging data and artificial intelligence is fundamental to maintaining a successful and forward-thinking business. Coconala recognizes that to excel in this crucial area, there needs to be focused leadership that can make swift decisions based on deep expertise. With over a decade of experience in the industry, including significant roles at major corporations such as Mitsukoshi Isetan System Solutions and Recruit, Shuhei Furuta possesses the right blend of experience and strategic insight necessary to guide Coconala's vision in the data and AI landscape.

As the VP of Data & AI, Furuta is expected to leverage his exceptional skills and knowledge to push Coconala's initiatives to the next level. His leadership will not only game-change the company’s internal capabilities but will also contribute to enhancing the engineering strength across the organization.

Integration of Generative AI

Coconala aims to utilize generative AI as a transformative element within its e-commerce skill marketplace model. This next-generation technology is viewed not merely as a technical advancement but as a pivotal force in reshaping the user experience. The company is committed to adopting generative AI not only within its operations but also providing users with novel interactions to maximize their skill utilization.

Key Initiatives Include:

1. Improving Buyer Experience: Coconala plans to deploy an agent-based AI system that will recommend optimal services from over 740 categories, significantly reducing the time buyers spend searching for what they need, thus enriching their overall experience. The precise recommendation algorithm will also be applied to their agent business, ensuring seamless user navigation.

2. Strengthening Seller Support: By offering personalized, 24/7 responses to inquiries based on service information and conversation history, the AI system will bolster the support structure for sellers. This integration enables buyers to receive accurate responses quickly and allows sellers to focus on delivering high-value services that exceed buyer expectations.

3. Advancing Internal Operations with Generative AI: Coconala plans to implement generative AI in its customer service and FAQ handling, promoting a more creative and productive work environment. Furthermore, utilizing AI for advertising copy, email marketing, and service content creation, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency and service quality across all functions. By employing the optimal AI tools available, Coconala expects a drastic improvement in productivity and accelerated growth.

Shuhei Furuta’s Profile

Shuhei Furuta is a Waseda University alumnus. Before joining Coconala in August 2018, he played a significant role at Mitsukoshi Isetan in building large-scale data infrastructures and held multiple leadership positions at Recruit, gaining profound experience in development, UX design, data promotion, web marketing, and new business strategies.

This recent appointment underscores Furuta's understanding of the heightened significance of data and AI as societal dynamics evolve. As Japanese society confronts challenges such as a declining birthrate and shrinking workforce, Coconala is poised to assert itself as a pivotal infrastructure for optimally sharing individual skills within the community. Leveraging data and AI, Furuta is committed to contributing to the vision of a society where each individual can thrive in their unique narrative.

Coconala remains dedicated to empowering talent that acts with a sense of ownership to realize its vision and mission, continuing its challenge to foster a society where everyone can leverage their skills and experiences vigorously.

About Coconala
Coconala is Japan's largest skill marketplace that allows users to buy and sell knowledge, skills, and expertise. The business encompasses a range of services, including:

• - Coconala Skill Marketplace: Connecting buyers with expert services across broad categories.
• - Coconala Content Marketplace: A platform for buying and selling original digital content easily.
• - Coconala Recruitment: A service that draws numerous professional applicants for job listings.
• - Coconala Scout: A service that facilitates direct contact with ideal professional hires.
• - Coconala Legal Consultation: Searchable content to connect users with the right lawyers.
• - Coconala Tech: Rapid proposals of IT freelancers.
• - Coconala Assist: Remote assistants to handle tasks efficiently.
• - Coconala Consulting: Industry-leading professionals driving project initiatives.
• - Coconala Pro: Introducing top creators perfectly suited for various projects.

As Coconala progresses, it reinforces its mission by offering individuals pathways to maximize their skills, promising a transformative experience for both service providers and buyers alike.