RAPHAEL KAIDO
CEO
Raphael Kaido is an Indian-born Japanese national with over 25 years of experience across travel, automobile trade, food processing, and global trading. With a strong India–Japan business perspective, he has been instrumental in building cross-border partnerships and facilitating international trade.
raphael@konnektasia.com
YOSHIHIDE FUJITA
Head of Media Business
Yoshihide Fujita is a Japan-based music and entertainment producer with extensive experience in music production and artist development. He acts as a head of Media Business in KONNEKT ASIA, where he brings valuable industry insight and supports creative and cultural initiatives across international markets.
fujita@konnektasia.com
PRAVEEN KS
Head of Africa Operation
Praveen KS is a Civil Engineer and leads KONNEKT ASIA’s cashew operations in Kenya, overseeing end-to-end production and supply. He specializes in managing premium-grade cashew processing for key markets across South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
praveen@konnektasia.com
NUKUZO PHESAO
State Head – Nagaland (India)
Nukuzo Phesao is the State Head – Nagaland (India) for Konnekt Asia, leading regional engagement and government coordination. An entrepreneur with strong local networks, he specializes in Nagaland coffee, tea, and frozen dry fruits for global markets.
nukuzo@konnektasia.com
KAUSHIK CHOWDHURY
Head of International Relations
Kaushik Chowdhury is a business strategist focused on India–Japan collaboration, with experience in engineering consulting, global trade, and technology ventures. He drives strategic initiatives and international partnerships. He plays a key role in expanding KONNEKT ASIA globally. Linkedin
kaushik@konnektasia.com
KOVID PATPATIA
COO & Head of Travel
Kovid Patpatia is a seasoned travel industry professional specializing in corporate travel management and inbound travel execution in Japan. With deep operational expertise and strong industry networks, he plays a key role in delivering seamless, high-quality travel solutions for both business and international clients.
kovid@konnektasia.com
KALLOL GHOSH
Head – MENA & Turkey
Kallol Ghosh leads KONNEKT ASIA’s business across MENA (Middle East, North Africa) and Turkey, driving regional expansion and strategic partnerships. He oversees key verticals including shipping, trading, telecom, IT hardware consulting, and data centre solutions for the group.
kallol@konnektasia.com
REIKO SUGUIOKA
Head of Government Relations
Reiko Sugioka represents Konnekt Asia in Japan at the government level, managing high-level liaison and institutional engagement. A participant in the Think G7 T7 Symposium, she is widely recognized for her strong networks and contributions across government and corporate sectors.
reiko@konnektasia.com
TOSHIO FUJIMOTO
National Head – Japan
Toshio Fujimoto is a seasoned publishing professional with over four decades of experience in Japan’s editorial and publishing industry. With his extensive industry experience, strong corporate network, and deep government engagement, he leads KONNEKT ASIA’s operations in Japan.
fujimoto@konnektasia.com
SACHIN SAINI
Sales Head – Japan
Sachin Saini is a specialist in Expo management, Japan Exhibitions, inbound travels, and multi-sector market development. He drives business growth by creating market for Indian apparel, handicrafts, jewellery, and lifestyle products in Japan through various Expo round the year.
sachin@konnektasia.com
PRADEEP SUTODIYA
Trading Head – India, Sri Lanka
Pradeep Sutodiya is a global marketing and trading specialist leading KONNEKT ASIA’s cross-border operations in specialty chemicals, sesame oil, and precision manufacturing. He drives trade between Japan, India, and Sri Lanka, enabling seamless market access and supply chain integration.
pradeep@konnektasia.com
AKEKO KAIDO
Head of Project SATORI
Akeko Kaido is the Head of Project SATORI, the flagship initiative of Konnekt Asia focused on developing a Japanese elderly retirement village and cultural centre in Sikkim and Nagaland, India. She also leads the group’s philanthropic initiatives, driving social impact and community engagement.
akeko@konnektasia.com