Yoshi Maruyama is CEO of Toca Football, a technology-driven soccer experience company. Maruyama has a background in the theme park industry, with nearly 30 years’ experience at Universal Destinations & Experiences and DreamWorks Animation. He is also a board director at United Parks & Resorts, formerly SeaWorld.
At Toca, Maruyama is applying his expertise to the intersection of sports and entertainment as he leads the global expansion of Toca Social entertainment venues. Overseeing teams based in the US and UK, Yoshi spearheaded Toca Social’s launch in London and Birmingham. Sites are also planned for Dallas, Texas, as well as Mexico and Europe.
When asked about the most rewarding part of his journey at Toca, Maruyama told blooloop:
“Consistent with my personal experience in the themed entertainment industry, it’s creating emotional connections with the guests we serve. And so whether it be in delivering Hollywood-based rides, or whether it’s helping to develop and give confidence to kids in our soccer centres, or introducing the sport in a fun way to new consumers of the sport in Toca Social, it’s that journey and the connectivity, and the emotional connection we’re able to develop with our guests. That is what really drives me day in and day out.”
Toca Football has raised around $100 million in private funding to accelerate its global expansion. The company has two divisions – Toca Social and Toca Soccer. The latter operates soccer training centres across North America.
“Soccer is the world’s most popular sport with massive tailwinds for growth in the US,” said Maruyama. “This new capital infusion empowers us to scale our brand and to bring our cutting-edge training methods and immersive experiences to millions of guests around the world.”