Kuraray Executive and Leadership Team

Kazushige Sakamoto, the Managing Executive Officer, President, Fibers and Textiles Company, Responsible for Osaka Office at Kuraray, oversees the production and market expansion of advanced synthetic fibers. Managing the strategic direction of the textile division, the Managing Executive Officer, President, Fibers and Textiles Company, Responsible for Osaka Office drives innovation in high-performance materials used across diverse industrial applications. This leadership position involves coordinating manufacturing processes with regional market demands to ensure consistent quality and supply chain reliability. By focusing on sustainable fiber development, Kazushige Sakamoto aligns the division with the company's overarching environmental goals. Sakamoto directs the Osaka office operations, fostering cross-functional synergy to accelerate product development cycles. Through the optimization of manufacturing output and the pursuit of new material applications, the Managing Executive Officer, President, Fibers and Textiles Company, Responsible for Osaka Office secures the company's position as a leader in the global fiber and textile sector.

Hidemasa Oda, the President at Kuraray, architects the long-term strategic vision for the global specialty chemical enterprise. Overseeing the execution of corporate initiatives, the President ensures that all business units remain focused on the core mission of creating value through synthetic chemistry and polymer science. This role involves direct engagement with the Board to define growth trajectories and capital allocation strategies that support international expansion. By fostering a culture of innovation, Hidemasa Oda drives the development of advanced materials that address pressing environmental and social challenges. Oda manages the alignment of diverse operational divisions, ensuring that the company's commitment to people and the planet remains central to every business decision. Through rigorous oversight of financial performance and market positioning, the President maintains the company's status as a premier provider of high-performance materials, ultimately securing sustainable growth and long-term value for stakeholders across the global chemical industry.

Stevan Schott, the Executive Officer, General Manager of Environmental Solutions Division and Calgon Carbon Corporation President at Kuraray, directs the strategic growth of the company's environmental technology portfolio. Overseeing the development of advanced filtration and purification solutions, the Executive Officer, General Manager of Environmental Solutions Division and Calgon Carbon Corporation President ensures that the organization provides critical support for water and air quality management globally. This role involves managing the integration of Calgon Carbon Corporation into the broader corporate structure to maximize synergy in chemical processing and material science. By driving innovation in activated carbon and related technologies, Stevan Schott addresses complex environmental challenges for industrial clients. Schott manages the operational scale of the environmental division, ensuring that technical expertise translates into measurable market impact. Through the leadership of this division, the Executive Officer, General Manager of Environmental Solutions Division and Calgon Carbon Corporation President strengthens the company's commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

John Siepelinga, the Global Chief Information Officer at Kuraray, directs the digital transformation strategy across all international operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced data analytics and secure cloud infrastructure, the Global Chief Information Officer ensures that technological frameworks support the complex manufacturing requirements of a global specialty chemical leader. This role involves aligning IT investments with the broader corporate mission of innovation in polymer science. By modernizing enterprise resource planning systems, John Siepelinga optimizes operational efficiency and data transparency throughout the organization. The Global Chief Information Officer manages cybersecurity protocols to protect proprietary research and development assets, maintaining the integrity of the company's intellectual property. Through the implementation of scalable digital solutions, Siepelinga facilitates seamless collaboration between regional offices and manufacturing facilities, ultimately driving the technological agility necessary for maintaining a competitive edge in the global chemical market.