On July 30, Shiseido, a leading Japanese beauty company, announced that its Board of Directors has resolved to appoint Kentaro Fujiwara as the new Representative Director, President, and CEO, effective January 1, 2025. The current Representative Director, Chairman, and CEO, Masahiko Uotani, will retire on December 31, 2024.
Fujiwara, currently serving as the company’s Representative Director, President, and COO (Chief Operating Officer), will be promoted to the new position. On the other hand, Uotani will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor for the Shiseido Group from January 1, 2025, providing advice to the management team, supporting talent development, and engaging in external relations. Uotani is also expected to retire as a director at the conclusion of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for the end of March 2025.
Since 2019, Shiseido has been implementing a five-year CEO succession plan. On November 10, 2022, Fujiwara was appointed as a CEO candidate by the Board of Directors, and with the announcement of Uotani’s retirement, a smooth leadership transition has been in progress. The recent resolution indicates that the plan is proceeding as scheduled.
This CEO transition is expected to be a crucial step in Shiseido’s future growth strategy. Under Fujiwara’s leadership, there is significant anticipation regarding the direction the company will take.