The Japanese classification society ClassNK is making a personnel change in the top position.
Current Senior Vice President Hayato Suga has been appointed President and CEO as well as Representative Director, ClassNK announced today.
At the same time, it was announced that current Corporate Officer Fumihiko Higashi has been appointed Executive Vice President, effective March 21.
Former President and CEO Hiroaki Sakashita will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, while former Chairman of the Board Koichi Fujiwara has assumed the position of Advisor to the Company.
On his appointment, Suga said that the business environment is changing rapidly and the boundaries between industries are 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.”
The new CEO 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.
On his return 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 later held key positions such as Head of the Plan Approval Department and Planning Department and was appointed Executive Vice President in 2022 and Senior Executive Vice President in 2024.
