Our Executive Team
Nikken senior management is a group of individuals with decades of experience in a diverse range of fields. Their acquired expertise in direct marketing and wellness disciplines makes them uniquely qualified in maintaining the company's success.
Toshizo (Tom) Watanabe
Chairman
Mr. Watanabe joined Nikken Japan in 1984. He was selected by Nikken founder Isamu Masuda to oversee the company's global expansion, establishing Nikken in the United States and into Canada, Mexico and Europe. As a result of these efforts, the company occupies its present position as the worldwide leader in the wellness industry. A lifelong student of direct marketing, Mr. Watanabe distinguished himself in 1973 by building the largest network in Yokohama City for a major direct marketing firm. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS from Brandeis University.
Kurt Fulle
President & C.E.O.
Kurt joined Nikken in 2003 as Controller and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer within 18 months. In 2006, he was also named Chief Operating Officer and assumed overall responsibility for business operations. Before joining Nikken, Kurt served in the same capacity in the durable consumer products industries. His 21 years of manufacturing and 7 years of public accounting experience enable him to help guide Nikken in the pursuit of best practices. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, he received his MBA and his BA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Larry Proffit
Executive Vice President
International Sales & Nikken University
A direct-marketing professional with decades of experience in corporate management and business ownership, Larry has been a top distributor in network marketing and spent considerable time in Japan, where he met Nikken founder Isamu Masuda and current Nikken Chairman Tom Watanabe. Larry was involved in the Nikken training program in Japan and the United States, and later served in a number of sales and training executive roles. Graduating with a BS from the University of Wyoming, Larry held the position of engineer with General Electric prior to his entry in the network marketing industry.
Colleen Edwards
National Sales Director, North America
With nearly two decades of experience in the network marketing industry, Colleen Edwards brings invaluable knowledge to her role at Nikken. She began her career with the international expansion team of a leading direct sales company. While based in Auckland, New Zealand, Colleen contributed to the successful opening of more than 10 countries around the world, including regions in Asia, South Africa and Italy. She served as director of sales and distributor services, advancing to the role of vice president overseeing sales and communications for Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, prior to joining Nikken. Colleen is currently based in Canada.
