Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has approved a new leadership structure, effective 1 April 2026, following a decision by its Board of Directors on 19 December.
Jotaro Tamura will become President and Chief Executive Officer. He currently serves as Senior Managing Executive Officer. He also brings extensive global experience, particularly in the containership business.
Takeshi Hashimoto, currently President and CEO, will move to Chairman of the Board. He will assume the role without representative authority after the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for 25 June 2026.
Junichiro Ikeda, currently Director and Chairman of the Board, will retire as Director at the conclusion of the same meeting and take on the role of Corporate Advisor.
MOL also announced new Vice President appointments. Hisashi Umemura will become Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Kazuya Hamazaki will continue as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
As part of the transition, Tamura and Umemura are expected to be appointed Representative Directors following shareholder approval in June 2026.
Hashimoto said the leadership change supports the next phase of MOL’s long-term strategy, BLUE ACTION 2035. He noted that Phase 1 focused on growth investments and portfolio transformation, while Phase 2 will prioritize returns, operational strength, and sustainable growth. He added that Tamura is well positioned to lead the group through this next stage.
Tamura said he is fully aware of the responsibility of the role and committed to leading MOL through the latter half of the decade. He emphasized teamwork among management and close coordination with the COO and CFO to strengthen the group’s competitiveness and long-term value.
The leadership changes mark a planned generational transition as MOL positions itself for continued growth in a rapidly evolving global shipping market.
