Tokyo, August 28, 2025 — Apex K.K. (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Managing Director: Brock Worbets; hereafter “Apex”), an executive search and recruitment firm specializing in introducing high-class bilingual professionals to foreign-affiliated and global Japanese companies, today announced it has been named to the Best Workplaces in Asia listby the Great Place To Work® Institute for the second year in a row, ranking No. 55 in the small and medium-sized company category this year. Apex was the only company from Japan’s recruitment industry to be recognized.
The 2025 list assessed 915 companies across 16 countries in Asia and the Middle East, drawing on feedback from 7.5 million employees (up 0.6 million year over year) and selected 200 companies for recognition. Being named to the list for two consecutive years underscores the international regard for Apex as a workplace where people can do their best work.
Apex was also named to the 2025 Best Workplaces in Japan list, placing 9th in the Medium-sized Company category.
■ Why This Ranking Matters
Great Place To Work® has conducted its research for over 30 years worldwide, evaluating trust in leadership, connection with colleagues, and pride in one’s work. In Asia, participation continues to grow and competition is intensifying. Companies that make the Asia list are distinguished by a high share of employees, regardless of role or employment type, who say their organization is a great place to work. These benchmarks inform career choices, guide workplace improvements, and contribute to stronger hiring power and competitiveness across the region.
■ What Sets Apex Apart
Diverse, international team: Apex has approximately 150 employees representing 21 nationalities. Women comprise 57% of the workforce and 34% are non-Japanese—an uncommon level of diversity for a Japan-based company. This balanced, global team helps ensure every voice is heard and supports fair, transparent systems.
Merit-based growth: Promotions and rewards are based on results and capability, regardless of gender, age, or tenure. In 2024, 36 employees were promoted—about 30% of the company. One early-career consultant earned two promotions in two years and was recognized as a top performer, reflecting employee feedback that “the right people are advancing.” Career paths are also defined for back-office and support roles, with multi-faceted evaluations (including teamwork) contributing to strong satisfaction with compensation fairness.
Open, approachable leadership: There are no executive offices; the leadership team works at the same desks as employees. On hot summer days, ice cream is handed out; on Friday evenings, leaders personally offer a drink and a word of thanks—simple gestures that make it easy for people to approach management. Many employees comment that “leaders and managers are easy to talk to.”
■ Comment from Managing Director Brock Worbets
“We are honored to be named to the Best Workplaces in Asia list for the second year in a row. This recognition reflects the dedication and trust of our team, whose passion and expertise create meaningful impact for the people and organizations we serve. As we celebrate this achievement, Apex looks ahead with ambition: to set the benchmark for workplace excellence in Japan and across Asia.”
About Apex K.K.
Apex is an executive search and recruitment firm specializing in introducing high-class bilingual professionals to foreign-affiliated and global Japanese companies. We work with a wide range of companies, from world-renowned corporations to SMEs and startups entering Japan for the first time. Covering 11 industries including Pharmaceutical, Life Science & Diagnostics, Medical Device, HealthTech, Banking & Financial Services, Consumer, Supply Chain & Procurement, Legal & Compliance, Human Resources, Finance & Accounting, and Technology, we provide services tailored to the needs of job seekers and hiring companies.
