TOKYO (Oct. 1, 2025) – Leading talent advisory firm DHR Global announces that Nick Scheele has joined the firm as Managing Partner, Tokyo. Scheele will lead the firm’s operations in Japan, bringing more than 15 years of executive search experience and over two decades of cultural and business expertise in the Japanese market. He succeeds Naomi Tachibana, who has led the office for more than a decade and will be taking on a Senior Advisory role, underscoring the firm’s long-standing stability in the region.
Throughout his career, Scheele has established himself as a trusted adviser to multinational organizations and Japanese companies operating locally and globally. He works across a broad range of corporate functions, with specialized expertise in human resources (HR) leadership. Before joining DHR, Scheele was Practice Director of HR Search at a global consulting firm, where he built and expanded the firm’s HR search practice. His expertise spans the full HR spectrum, including C-suite placements, strategic HR business partnerships, talent management and acquisition, organizational development, and HR operations.
“HR and corporate leadership in Japan is evolving rapidly, requiring a nuanced understanding of how global best practices intersect with local business culture,” Scheele said. “I’m excited to help clients navigate this complexity while identifying exceptional leaders who can drive meaningful organizational advancement on a global scale.”
In a prior role as Managing Director of Executive Search at the same firm, Scheele guided clients across finance, technology, operations, human resources, and sales functions throughout Japan and Asia. He’s successfully placed senior leaders in top HR, finance, and operations roles, as well as general management and board-level positions. His thorough understanding of Japanese business culture, combined with a global perspective, allows him to identify leaders who can thrive in complex, multinational environments. Scheele has strong relationships with both Japanese and international companies, and his hands-on understanding of business dynamics across sectors makes him a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.
“Nick’s appointment represents a strategic enhancement of our capabilities in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region,” said DHR CEO Priya Taneja. “His extensive experience in building high-performing search practices, combined with his deep understanding of Japanese business culture, positions him perfectly to expand our presence in this critical market.”
“Nick’s leadership in executive search, particularly across HR and corporate functions, comes at a crucial time when Japanese companies are actively changing their talent strategies,” said Naomi Tachibana, former Managing Partner, Tokyo. “Having collaborated closely with our global teams, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to balance international best practices with Japan’s unique corporate dynamics. Nick’s proven track record in building relationships with multinational and domestic Japanese companies will be invaluable for DHR and our clients.”
Scheele began his recruitment career in the electronics sector before focusing on HR and corporate services recruitment. He’s held senior leadership roles at global executive search and consulting firms, developing extensive experience in HR and corporate function talent strategy across the Asia-Pacific region.
He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.
About DHR
DHR is a leading, privately held provider of executive search, leadership consulting, and emerging leader search services, operating in 60+ markets across 22 countries. With deep expertise across more than 20 industries and functions, DHR delivers talent solutions through consultants with firsthand industry experience. For over 35 years, the firm has been known for being connected, accountable, and client-focused, and ready to deliver the right talent, fast. DHR has been recognized by Forbes, Inc., Aetna, Newsweek, and Hunt Scanlon for its performance, culture, and growth. Learn more at dhrglobal.com.