Ernie Higa is the architect of the modern American success story in Japan. A pioneer of cross-border entrepreneurship, he fundamentally changed the Japanese consumer landscape by introducing and scaling the delivery pizza concept with Domino’s Pizza Japan. His ability to adapt global business models to local sensibilities—pioneering the 'glocalization' strategy—remains the gold standard for market entry.

Today, as the leader of Wendy’s Japan and Higa Industries, he continues to shape the retail and food & beverage sectors. Beyond his commercial ventures, Ernie is a pillar of the Tokyo business establishment. He is an active member of Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), granting him rare influence within the domestic corporate hierarchy.

A graduate of Columbia University, holding both a Bachelor’s and an MBA, Ernie bridges the intellectual and practical worlds of international business. His career is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptation, and deep cultural fluency.