Kenji Yamaguchi
About Kenji Yamaguchi
Kenji Yamaguchi serves as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Wizards of the Coast, where he has worked since 2019. He has a background in psychology and extensive experience in talent acquisition, previously holding positions at Microsoft and Volt Technical Resources.
Work at Wizards of the Coast
Kenji Yamaguchi has served as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Wizards of the Coast since 2019. In this role, he conducted a comprehensive listening tour across senior leadership to identify key themes and priorities. This effort led to the establishment of a multi-year framework for talent acquisition delivery. He also led the transition of the recruiting team from an operational model to a consultative, talent partner model. Additionally, he developed an Equity-first model for inclusive hiring strategies, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and organizational capability.
Previous Experience at Microsoft
Before joining Wizards of the Coast, Kenji Yamaguchi worked at Microsoft for 12 years as a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager from 2007 to 2019. His tenure at Microsoft included responsibilities related to talent acquisition strategies and team leadership. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in recruitment and organizational development.
Educational Background
Kenji Yamaguchi studied at the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from 1998 to 2004. He also attended Oregon State University, where he pursued an incomplete degree in Computer Science from 2012 to 2013. His educational background reflects a blend of interests in psychology and technology.
Early Career at Volt Technical Resources
Kenji Yamaguchi began his career as a Technical Recruiter at Volt Technical Resources, where he worked for one year from 2005 to 2006 in Redmond, WA. This role marked the start of his journey in talent acquisition, laying the groundwork for his future positions in the field.
Personal Interests and Learning
Kenji Yamaguchi has developed a reading habit since late 2018, consuming over 100 books focused on personal development and leadership. He recommends a diverse range of authors, including Brené Brown, Carol Dweck, and Simon Sinek. In addition to reading, he engages in learning-focused hobbies such as home automation, 3D printing, prop making, and electrical work, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning.