noun
well-known face; influential person; big wheel
Refers to someone whose face is widely recognized in a particular area or group, often implying influence or connections. The term can be used neutrally or with a slightly admiring tone.
彼は地元では顔利きで、誰もが知っている。
He is a well-known face in the local area; everyone knows him.
あの人は業界の顔利きだから、話を通しておいたほうがいい。
That person is an influential figure in the industry, so you'd better get in touch with them first.
有名人 is a general term for a famous person, while 顔利き emphasizes being known within a specific community or having influence there.
顔役 is similar but often carries a stronger nuance of being a boss or influential figure, sometimes in underworld contexts.
Compound of 顔 (face) and 利き (effectiveness, from 利く 'to be effective'). The literal sense is 'effective face', referring to someone whose face carries weight or recognition.