JR West names Kurasaka president, Hasegawa to chair

West Japan Railway Company (JR West) revealed a strategic leadership shift, with Shoji Kurasaka set to assume the role of President and Representative Director, while current President Kazuaki Hasegawa will transition to Chairman and Representative Director. This decision, reached after deliberation by the Personnel and Remuneration Advisory Committee, aims to strengthen the company's management structure through a two-person leadership system. The move is intended to ensure the steady progress of the "JR West Group Medium-Term Management Plan 2025" and facilitate the development of a new plan for FY2027.3 and beyond, ultimately driving sustainable growth and enhancing corporate value. Kurasaka, born in 1962 and with a long history at JR West, currently serves as Vice President and Representative Director. Hasegawa will take on the role of Chairman. This transition is pending formal approval at the 38th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in June 2025. As of February 28, 2025, Kurasaka holds 28,700 shares in the company.