Ernest Higa is Chairman and CEO of Higa Industries. He is a member of Keizai Doyukai, one of three major Japanese business groups, member of the Trilateral Commission and has served as Board Member for Young Presidents Organization, New Business Conference, Jermyn Street Capital Ltd., and Japan Telecom. Mr. Higa has been awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture for innovation in the food industry and recognized by Toyo Keizai as one of the top 50 entrepreneurs in Japan. Mr. Higa earned his MBA from Columbia Business School and his B.S. from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.

In an interview with Chazen Fellow Adrian Almazan, Mr. Higa shares his rationale for obtaining the exclusive license from Domino's Pizza in 1985, ultimately allowing him to pioneer what is now a thriving home delivery pizza industry in Japan. Mr. Higa also shares his insights on the impacts of the recent financial crisis on the Japanese market as well as the need to adapt brands for Japanese tastes. Finally, Mr. Higa offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs at Columbia Business School.