Hawaiian born Dean Akiyama completed his PhD Nutrition in Texas A&M University specializing in shrimp nutrition. He has lived in Asia and worked in the aquaculture industry for the last 35 years primarily in the Southeast Asian and Asian region. He has visited and provided technical assistance in more than 45 countriesPreviously, Dean worked for the  CP Aquaculture Group for 15 years. His last position was Senior Vice President, Aquaculture Technology & Research Division, Central Proteina Prima (CPP), Charoen Pokphand Aquaculture Group. He directed and managed all technology and research functions for the Group. This included aquaculture research & development, genetic improvement and breeding, animal health lab and technical services, quality assurance management and technical aquaculture training and publications.

For the CP Indonesia group, Dean purchased and managed Shrimp Improvement Systems, a global shrimp breeding company with operations in Florida, Hawaii, Singapore and India. As Managing Director, he was responsible for the budget targets and 20% company expansion annually to shareholders and managed the Genetic & Research program, Broodstock Production Operations, Global Sales Targets, and Broodstock Quality Assurance.