HONOLULU, Hawaii, USA (April 1, 2025) — PacRim Marketing Group, celebrating its 35th anniversary, announces a significant transition with the appointment of Toshinari Katsura as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025.
Mr. Katsura currently serves as an executive officer of Vector Inc., a global leading PR firm in Asia, and as President and CEO of Antil, Vector Group's core business. As a seasoned PR specialist, he has spearheaded numerous innovative strategies, supporting corporate growth through a comprehensive approach that encompasses strategic planning and execution, creative development, and digital marketing. In recent years, he has led the development of next-generation services that maximize client business outcomes through digital transformation (DX) initiatives and strategic implementation of AI technologies.
PacRim Marketing Group, Inc. joined Vector Group in February 2017 and has continued to grow into a central hub for marketing strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Strengthening Global Strategy and Group Reorganization
PacRim Marketing Group previously consisted of three sister companies: PacRim Marketing, PRTech, and PacRim Marketing Tokyo. At the end of 2024, the Tokyo office was officially acquired by Vector Group's Antil. Prior to that, its sister company PRTech was integrated into PacRim Marketing Hawaii in 2023.
While the Hawaii business will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Vector Japan, it will undergo a brand refresh in 2025 as “Vector USA” to significantly expand its business domains. This strategic rebranding not only aims to reinforce leadership in the travel and tourism industries but embodies the company's new transformation into a full-service global marketing hub connecting the Asia-Pacific region and North America, with Hawaii as its base.
“Vector USA”: Next-Generation Integrated Marketing Solutions
“Vector USA” will offer dynamic services to meet global business needs of the digital era, such as:
- Strategic Communication: Comprehensive PR strategies, crisis management, corporate branding
- Digital Excellence: Cutting-edge digital marketing, data-driven SEO/SEM services, Map Engine Optimization (MEO) for enhanced local visibility, advanced data analytics and insight-driven campaign optimization
- Content Creation: Multilingual content creation, video marketing, storytelling
- Influencer Marketing: Utilization of global influencer networks, campaign design and implementation
- Technology Solutions: AI-powered marketing automation, e-commerce optimization
- Cross-Border Business: International expansion support, M&A advisory, market entry strategies
These services will strategically support corporate growth in the following key areas:
- Hawaii and North American business expansion into Japan and the Asia-Pacific region
- Japanese and Asian business entry and expansion into Hawaii and North America
- Market penetration in the Asia-Pacific region for global brands
- Optimization of inbound and outbound marketing for the tourism and hospitality industries
This evolution will enable the delivery of advanced marketing solutions driven by data and cultural intelligence across diverse industry sectors, including hospitality, retail, technology, lifestyle, and real estate.
New Leadership Carrying Forward the Founder's Vision
Dave Erdman, founder and current President & CEO of PacRim Marketing Group, will continue to support the company as a Senior Advisor beginning April 1, 2025. In this role, he will leverage the expertise and networks the company has cultivated for over 35 years to drive success.
“As we celebrate our 35th anniversary and move into our next growth phase, I am confident that under Mr. Katsura's leadership, the company will reach new heights,” says Mr. Erdman. “His vision and expertise will be the driving force that further develops our years of work.”
Brand Identity: Merging Tradition and Innovation
The new logo being unveiled as part of the rebranding reflects the identity of the Vector Group while honoring PacRim's legacy. While inheriting Vector's philosophy of “360-degree integrated marketing solutions,” it features PacRim's signature blue color, symbolizing both the Pacific Ocean and the spirit of innovation.
“The brand refresh to ‘Vector USA’ represents our evolution while demonstrating our commitment to valuing the client relationships we have built over 35 years,” emphasizes Mr. Erdman. “This transformation will enable us to provide more comprehensive and innovative solutions that lead our clients' businesses to new heights in the global digital era.”
Vision for the Future
When expressing his goals as the new CEO, Mr. Katsura explains, “We will leverage PacRim's unique position connecting the Asia-Pacific region and North America to create the future of marketing that incorporates the power of digital transformation and AI. By combining cultural understanding with technology, we will challenge ourselves to deliver new value as a partner that accelerates our clients' global growth.”
About Vector Inc.
Founded in 1993, Vector Inc. is one of the largest independent PR firms in Asia, providing strategic communications, integrated marketing, and digital solutions. Ranking 1st in Asia and 6th globally in Provoke Media's 2024 “Global Top 250 PR Agency Rankings,” Vector Group serves over 5,000 clients across the Asia-Pacific region. With innovative platforms like “PR TIMES” and “JOB TV,” the company drives client business growth through multi-faceted solutions. For more details, please visit the official website (https://vectorinc.co.jp/en/).
About PacRim Marketing Group
Established in Honolulu in 1990, PacRim Marketing Group has been a pioneer in international marketing, connecting Asia and North America for over 35 years by providing integrated marketing communications adapted to multiple languages and cultures. The company supports clients' global business growth through advanced technology solutions — including its proprietary multilingual hotel reservation system, MyRez — and marketing strategies based on cultural insights. For more details, please visit the official website (www.pacrimmarketing.com).