Executive Team
Our Executive Team is comprised of leaders who reflect the values from both Upsher-Smith and our owner, Sawai Group Holdings Co., Ltd.
Rich Fisher
President & COO
As President & COO, Rich is responsible for driving the growth and strategic direction at Upsher-Smith.
Rich began his career as an engineer in the aerospace industry, working for General Dynamics, Space Systems Division in San Diego. In 1992 he transitioned to Brady Corporation where he headed an engineering group responsible for the design of electromechanical systems and authored 3 patents.
Rich joined Upsher-Smith in 2004 and progressively took on increasing roles of responsibility including Portfolio Management and Business Development, eventually assuming the role as the leader of Corporate Strategy.
Rich holds a B.S. in Engineering from Montana State University and a M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas.
Taku Nakaoka
CEO & Chairman of the Board
Taku Nakaoka has served as CEO & Chairman of the Board of Upsher-Smith since 2022.
Nakaoka is concentrated on strategic guidance to galvanize the trajectory of the company by expanding global partnerships and enhancing programs to fuel future growth.
He brings experience from a background in Corporate Strategy at SGH & Sumitomo.