Inglis Digital USA announced the hiring of Satomi Oka to be the company’s Japanese representative Aug. 27 as part of the sales company’s continued efforts to expand its reach.
In the role, Oka will work to grow Inglis’ buying base in Japan by recruiting new registered buyers to the Inglis Digital USA platform, increasing awareness of the company, and bringing horses to the attention of Japanese buyers when they might fit their program.
The global Thoroughbred industry has become more connected than ever, and Japan has been one of the top international buyers of American bloodstock—both stallions and broodmares. Many of Japan’s most prominent bloodlines of the past and present trace directly to U.S.-born Thoroughbreds. Oka will work to further strengthen those connections through the convenience of the Inglis Digital USA online auction platform, according to the release.
“U.S. racing has a significant influence in Japan and American pedigrees are highly respected,” Oka said. “I am thrilled to be part of Inglis Digital USA and to help building its brand in Japan. I look forward to assisting Japanese buyers in securing horses through this exciting new opportunity with Inglis Digital USA.”
A Japanese native now living in Australia, Oka has over two decades of experience as an international bloodstock agent, working as an accredited agent in both of her home countries and serving as a director of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia. She has been the Japanese representative for Australian-based William Inglis and Son, since 2001, and she has held consultancy positions for the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders’ Association and Hidaka Horse Breeders’ Association since 2009.
In those positions, Oka has experience buying, selling, and exporting horses all over the world. She has worked closely with the Yoshida family that comprises some of Japan’s largest breeding operations, and she has assisted major Australian owners and breeders in their purchases of horses in Japan.
Oka will continue to serve her current clients and work in her current positions while also fulfilling her duties with Inglis Digital USA.
“We are thrilled with the addition of Satomi to the Inglis Digital USA team,” said Kyle Wilson, senior director of sales and recruitment for Inglis Digital USA. “We are selling into an ever-expanding international market, and her connections and depth of knowledge will be an invaluable resource to our customers.”
The next Inglis Digital USA Sale will take place in September, with entries closing Sept. 16. The catalog will be released Sept. 20, and the horses will sell Sept. 25.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
