About Us

J-Source is a Japan-based and Japan-specialized executive search and recruiting company, focused on the search and recruitment of Japanese and English speaking talent — primarily Japanese nationals. We take pride in performing unconventional searches for those hard to find and unique roles that require actual search and a quick understanding of how your business works. In addition to our tailored solutions for executive search, we also advise on compensation schemes and facilitate cross-cultural training. More than anything, when you think of Japan, we want you to think of J-Source.

Company Leadership

Jason Hatchell - Managing Director of J-Source

Jason Hatchell, Managing Director

Having recruited in Tokyo since 1999, Jason has been in Japan for over 20 years, and worked in sales for a Japanese food ingredients company prior to entering recruiting. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Jason is fluent in English and Japanese.

In his nearly twenty years of executive search in Tokyo, he has filled many senior level positions within the raw materials, manufacturing, capital goods, retail, finance, software and consulting areas. Jason prides himself on being able to tailor solutions for even the toughest of searches in the market.

Jason has also put in time as a commentator on TV and radio in Japan, creating and presenting material related to educational and cross-cultural issues East vs West. In addition to executive search, Jason continues to publish books and create educational apps. Jason is an avid baseball fan, and a budding triathlete.

View Jason’s LinkedIn profile for more information.

David Kleyn - Senior Director of J-Source

David Kleyn, Senior Director

David specializes in Director, General Manager and VP-level search across Asia in the Manufacturing sector, with a specific focus on precision engineering, photonics, metrology, instrumentation (medical, research, industrial), capital equipment and materials (including engineering plastics, metals, etc.).

With more than a decade of experience in executive search in the region, backed up by over 25 years of experience working with and in Asian markets, David is able to offer a valuable and in-depth understanding of the regional markets.

He studied law before moving into a career working with Japanese trading and shipping companies. He moved to Japan in 1996. David is also an avid traveler, professionally trained chef, snowboarder and published photographer.

View David’s LinkedIn profile for more information.

Matt Kline - Senior Manager

Matthew Kline, Director

Matthew has been in Japan for over 10 years, and has worked in the Japanese recruitment market since 2011. In his six years of executive recruitment, Matthew has partnered with many of the world's top foreign capital companies to help them hire elite talent in Japan. Matthew’s expertise recruiting in both the multi-dimensional automotive and tech sectors allow him to tailor searches for the toughest of positions, ensuring that clients can hire the right talent in a timely manner.

Matthew is an excellent partner not only for expanding global organizations, but also for small startup firms with big ideas. From engineering to sales to business development, Matthew's deep network of candidates in not just Japan but throughout Asia makes him the right person to handle your recruitment needs.

In his free time, Matthew is a jogging enthusiast that enjoys design, and is also big fan of the booming craft beer scene in Japan. Prior to recruitment, Matthew performed various roles in communications after graduation from San Diego State University in 2004.

View Matthew’s LinkedIn profile for more information.

Chris Bond - Director

Chris Bond, Director

Chris leads technology recruitment for J-Source. He was partner at a boutique executive search firm as a key member of the technology team until its acquisition, and also headed up the technology team for another major firm.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the Japan and Asia-Pacific regions, Chris specializes in search for executive leadership of foreign capital companies from the Fortune 500 as well as leading private equity backed firms operating in the region. His sector experience spans across technology, retail & consumer markets with a special focus on revenue generating leadership positions. Chris has a strong track record finding leadership for start-ups as well general management for more established firms. His expertise in both retained and contingency search practices makes Chris well qualified to provide bespoke solutions to ensure you hire the best talent.

A proud Kiwi, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, and is an avid cyclist.  He also donates time to various charities in Japan for underprivileged children.

Shuhei Matsumoto - Director

Shuhei Matsumoto, Director

Shuhei focuses on clients in the Consumer industry, having performed placements for Country Managers, Sales Directors, Marketing Directors, Brand Marketing Managers, Communication Managers, etc.

Shuhei began his recruitment career with an award-winning British recruitment agency in Tokyo, covering Sales and Marketing recruitment within the Consumer industry, and refined his recruitment experience at one of the world’s best known global search firms, where he covered Technology as well as Consumer related roles.

Integrating methodologies of fast-paced contingency recruitment with the sophisticated styles of executive search, he provides tailor-made retained and exclusive search solutions for his clients most difficult needs.

Shuhei holds a Bachelor’s degree in Policy Management from Keio University. In his free time, Shuhei enjoys playing guitar and working on his car.

View Shuhei's LinkedIn profile for more information.

Andrew Bertram - Senior Manager

Andrew Bertram, Senior Manager

Andrew’s areas of specialty is consumer technology: social media, SaaS, PaaS, marketing automation solutions, e-commerce, and streaming entertainment. He has helped companies of all sizes fill roles from junior to Country Manager level in marketing, digital transformation, and post-sales support.

Through his deep network and industry knowledge, Andrew handles strategic roles that seem impossible to fill, and which require the utmost confidentiality. Andrew becomes the face of the client to the candidates in the market, and as such partners closely with them to consult mutually on the recruitment situation in Japan.

Andrew has a degree in cultural and biological anthropology, giving him a unique perspective on intercultural issues. In his free time, he loves capturing the world in photography.

Dean Ben Aissa, Senior Manager

Dean Ben Aissa, Senior Manager

Dean is an IT recruiting specialist focused on mid to senior level Presales, Sales, and Business Development positions for cloud-based enterprise solution providers in Japan and APAC. Dean’s ability to identify and earn the trust of top talent has led to him receiving multiple awards from leading IT companies for filling critical positions.

From unicorns to leading cloud providers, Dean excels in sourcing for niche and tough to find IT candidate profiles. In 2020, he played a critical role in building a leading cloud provider client’s Business Development Team with multiple, senior level placements.

Dean is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, a proud father of a young son, loves to play piano, make pizza, and travel Japan.

Company Overview

  • Established: December 2006
  • Managing Director: Jason Hatchell
  • Industry Sectors: Human Resources Consulting, Education and Training