Joined Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. (current Mazda Motor Corporation) in 1980 after graduating from Keio University where he studied engineering. Worked as a Chassis design engineer, focusing on the development of brake and suspension systems. Became a program manager of the second-generation MPV in 1996. Promoted to director in 1999 when the MPV hit the market. Transferred to Mazda’s European arm and worked on development and production of European models. After coming back to Japan, oversaw various domains including product planning and later in charge of corporate planning, finance and cost innovation. As a member of the management team, led Mazda through a major transition period, from the time when the company began its product-led growth under the Ford umbrella, through the hardships of the financial crisis of 2008, to the company’s first step in a period of growth with its unique Skyactiv technology. Became vice president in 2013 and assisted the president while overseeing business and corporate planning in the USA before becoming the 16th president and CEO in 2018. With a motto of “Mazda’s uniqueness of co-creating with others,” made it his own responsibility to keep the company going and growing for another 100 years after it marked its 100th anniversary in 2020. 65 years old, born in Kure city, Hiroshima prefecture.