2 Apr 2024

ClassNK has carried out a regular reshuffle of its full-time executives, underlining its commitment to charting the maritime industry’s shift through a period of significant transformation.

President & CEO - Hiroaki Sakashita and Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) - Junichiro Iida continue in their current roles, while Executive Vice President (EVP) - Hayato Suga is promoted to SEVP. Additionally, Dr. Toshiro Arima, Masaki Matsunaga, and Dr. Yoshiya Yamaguchi have been appointed as new EVPs.

Leveraging of digital technologies

In his remarks, ClassNK President & CEO, Hiroaki Sakashita, stated, "We are at the front of the business transformation era marked by the drive towards decarbonisation and leveraging of digital technologies, and various initiatives have also been increasing in the maritime field."

Hiroaki Sakashita adds, "In addition to improving our conventional responsibility of verifying compliance with established standards, ClassNK is expanding its services to support our customers' business transformations to enhance safety, facilitate the energy transition, and promote sustainability, aiming to be their partner in building the future together."

Day-to-day operations

Under the new structure, SEVP Junichiro Iida oversees business strategy, while SEVP Hayato Suga handles corporate strategy as well as day-to-day operations.

The newly appointed EVPs serve concurrently as the division directors: Dr. Toshiro Arima for the Research and Development Division, Masaki Matsunaga for the Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, and Dr. Yoshiya Yamaguchi for the Business Assurance Division.