Most notably
Mitsuo is a global executive with extensive experience in finance, strategy, and the development of large-scale industrial projects. He previously held leadership positions at Sumitomo Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company, where he oversaw multibillion-dollar investments and mineral resource projects around the world.
He provides a truly global perspective on advancing ZettaJoule's vision for next-generation energy solutions. Mitsuo is fluent in English, Japanese, and Spanish, enabling effective engagement, collaboration, and leadership across international markets.
Professional experience
Mitsuo is a results-driven leader whose expertise in finance and strategy has directly contributed to the success of projects ranging from several hundred million to $8 billion.
During his tenure as Manager of Business Development, Non-Ferrous Metals at Sumitomo Corporation - one of the world's largest and most respected Fortune Global 500 companies - Mitsuo directed full-cycle development activities including acquisitions, divestitures, investments and strategic partnerships across world markets. He managed investments from $5 million in early-stage ventures to $8 billion projects in the development and operational stages.
Mitsuo previously served in a leadership capacity on Dynatec Madagascar’s $8 billion Ambatovy Project, one of the largest nickel and cobalt mining and refining ventures in the world. He held progressively senior roles with full accountability for the end-to-end supply chain of raw materials, overseeing a $400 million annual spend spanning critical commodities including hydrocarbons and complex chemicals. Throughout his tenure on the project, Mitsuo demonstrated a distinct talent for managing high-value, technically complex systems and developed a lasting commitment to decarbonization and the transition toward cleaner industrial energy systems.
Education
Mitsuo holds a bachelor’s degree in International Law from the University of Rikkyo – Japan.
More about Mitsuo
Of Peruvian and Japanese descent, Mitsuo brings a globally informed perspective to both his professional and personal life. Trilingual and culturally fluent, he lived throughout Latin America for nearly two decades - in Peru, Chile, Panama and Bolivia.