Mitsui OSK Lines names new leadership team, expands C-suite

Junichiro Ikeda will retire as MOL’s director, as planned, at the expiry of his set term in June 2026, and will take on the position of corporate advisor.

At the same time, at the end of MOL’s annual general meeting in June 2026, MOL’s current president and chief executive, Takeshi Hashimoto, will be appointed as chairman of the board.

Succeeding Mr Hashimoto in the role of president and chief executive is Jotaro Tamura.

Outgoing president and chief executive Mr Hashimoto said, “Amidst a rapidly changing business environment, it is essential to address a wide range of management challenges – such as defining strategic direction, managing field operations, and engaging with key stakeholders – including investors, the stock market, and financial institutions – to achieve sustainable growth. To this end, a smooth transition to a management structure designed for the next generation is crucial. We have therefore determined that now is the appropriate time to appoint the new president and shift to a collaborative management structure led by three chief officers: the chief executive officer, chief operating officer (COO), and chief financial officer (CFO)."

According to MOL, incoming chief executive Mr Tamura has successfully led global organisations, particularly in the container shipping business.

"We believe he is the right person to strengthen the human capital and organisational capabilities that will underpin our earning power ... and we expect him to lead our group into a bright future,” the company said.

Mr Tamura said he would lead the implementation of MOL’s new management structure by building close working relationships with the incoming COO and CFO.

“To maximise corporate value in collaboration with all stakeholders, I believe that, as leader, I must not only demonstrate balanced decision-making and action based on broad perspective and foresight, but also place greater emphasis on strengthening teamwork among the management team. From this standpoint, I intend to swiftly establish and implement a new structure requiring close co-ordination with the chief operating officer and chief financial officer,” he said.