The Japanese classification society ClassNK has announced a change in its top leadership.
Current Senior Vice President Hayato Suga has been appointed President, CEO, and Representative Director, the society announced.
At the same time, it was announced that Fumihiko Higashi, currently serving as Corporate Officer, has been appointed Executive Vice President, effective 21 March.
Former President and CEO Hiroaki Sakashita will become Chairman of the Board of Directors, while former Chairman Koichi Fujiwara has assumed the role of Advisor to the company.
Suga joined ClassNK in 1968
On his appointment, Suga noted that the business environment is changing rapidly, with industry boundaries becoming increasingly blurred due to environmental challenges and digital transformation.
“Therefore, our mission is to provide certifications and related services in a timely manner to meet these diverse and rapidly evolving needs – just like a top sushi chef serves the best ingredients at the perfect moment. In this way, we aim to connect industries through trust and contribute to the sound development and sustainable operation of the maritime sector.”
Suga graduated from Hiroshima University with a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering in 1986 and joined ClassNK in the same year. He gained experience in plan approval and site surveys and later led survey activities in Europe and Africa from the London office.
Upon returning to Japan, he contributed to the development of tanker standards and was an active member and chairman of the Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum. He subsequently held key positions including Head of the Plan Approval Department and the Planning Department, and was appointed Executive Vice President in 2022 and Senior Executive Vice President in 2024.
