JR West announces president change, new leadership structure

West Japan Railway Company (TSE: 9021) announced that Shoji Kurasaka will be appointed as President and Representative Director in June 2025, succeeding current President Kazuaki Hasegawa, who will assume the role of Chairman and Representative Director. The decision, made at today's Board of Directors meeting, follows deliberations by the Personnel and Remuneration Advisory Committee. This change aims to strengthen JR West's management structure and foster sustainable growth by creating a two-person leadership team consisting of a Chairman and a President. This new structure will support the continued execution of the JR-West Group Medium-Term Management Plan 2025 and aid in formulating a new medium-term plan for fiscal year 2027.3 and beyond. Kurasaka, currently Vice President and Representative Director, has been with the company since 1985 and previously held key management positions. Kurasaka currently holds 28,700 shares in the company. The official appointment will occur at the 38th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in June 2025, followed by a Board of Directors meeting.