Marubeni Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Marubeni has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, and information solutions.

Driven by a global vision, Marubeni is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and creating value across diverse industries through integrated trading and investment strategies, impacting markets worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Marubeni

  • Chief Executive Officer - Horst Guenther
  • Chief Executive Officer, Transportation & Industrial Machinery, Financial Business Group - Jiro Itai
  • Chief Financial Officer - Makoto Ishitani
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sergio Gibert
  • 情報ソリューション部門長/Chief Operating Officer, IT Solutions Div. - Hidehiko Wakita
  • Chief Operating Officer (Oil & Gas) - Perry Murphree
  • Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer Finance, Leasing and Real Estate Business Division - Taro Kawabe
  • Chief Technology Officer - Shingo Ozawa
  • Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer - Ershad Assefi
  • Cio - Oikawa Kenichiro-marubeni
  • Horst Guenther - Chief Executive Officer

    Horst Guenther, the Chief Executive Officer at Marubeni, directs the overarching strategy and global operations of this integrated trading and investment conglomerate. Guenther's leadership guides Marubeni's diverse business portfolio, which spans food, textiles, chemicals, energy, metals, transportation machinery, and infrastructure projects. Overseeing international transactions and domestic market activities, Guenther ensures alignment with the company's mission to create value across a broad spectrum of sectors. This executive role involves driving business development and management on a global scale, fostering innovation in areas like power projects and industrial machinery. Horst Guenther's strategic vision is critical for navigating complex global markets and maintaining Marubeni's position as a major Japanese business conglomerate.

    Jiro Itai - Chief Executive Officer, Transportation & Industrial Machinery, Financial Business Group

    Jiro Itai, the Chief Executive Officer, Transportation & Industrial Machinery, Financial Business Group at Marubeni, directs the strategic vision and operational oversight for these key business segments. Itai leads initiatives focused on the import, export, and domestic transactions of transportation machinery and industrial equipment, alongside managing the financial services supporting these sectors. This executive role involves driving growth, optimizing business development, and ensuring synergy between the machinery and financial operations. Itai's leadership is crucial for navigating the complexities of global supply chains and financial markets. Jiro Itai's strategic direction fosters innovation and profitability within Marubeni's transportation, industrial machinery, and financial business groups.

    Makoto Ishitani - Chief Financial Officer

    Makoto Ishitani, the Chief Financial Officer at Marubeni, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management for the integrated trading and investment conglomerate. Ishitani oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation across Marubeni's broad range of business sectors, from food materials to energy and infrastructure projects. This executive position is critical for managing the financial aspects of international transactions, business investments, and real estate development. Ishitani's expertise ensures robust financial health and supports strategic growth initiatives. Makoto Ishitani's leadership in financial planning and risk management is essential for maintaining Marubeni's stability and driving profitable expansion in global markets.

    Sergio Gibert - Chief Operating Officer

    Sergio Gibert, the Chief Operating Officer at Marubeni, executes the operational strategies across the conglomerate's extensive business units. Gibert manages the day-to-day functions that support Marubeni's import/export activities and domestic transactions, ensuring efficiency in sectors ranging from food and textiles to chemicals and energy. This operational leadership extends to overseeing complex projects in power generation and infrastructure development, as well as managing the logistics and information industry segments. Gibert's role is pivotal in optimizing the supply chains and operational frameworks that underpin Marubeni's global reach. Sergio Gibert drives operational excellence, ensuring seamless integration of diverse business activities and contributing to the company's sustained growth and market impact.

    Hidehiko Wakita - 情報ソリューション部門長/Chief Operating Officer, IT Solutions Div.

    Hidehiko Wakita, the 情報ソリューション部門長/Chief Operating Officer, IT Solutions Div. at Marubeni, directs the operational execution and strategic growth of the IT Solutions Division. Wakita oversees the development and delivery of information solutions that support Marubeni's broader business activities, including trading, investment, and infrastructure projects. This leadership role focuses on enhancing the division's capabilities in areas such as digital transformation, data management, and system integration. Wakita's responsibilities include ensuring the division's operations align with the conglomerate's overall objectives and market demands. Hidehiko Wakita drives operational excellence within the IT Solutions Division, contributing significantly to Marubeni's technological advancement and business efficiency.

    Perry Murphree - Chief Operating Officer (Oil & Gas)

    Perry Murphree, the Chief Operating Officer (Oil & Gas) at Marubeni, spearheads the operational management and strategic development within the conglomerate's oil and gas sector. Murphree directs all facets of operations, from exploration and production support to trading and logistics, ensuring efficiency and profitability in this critical energy market. This executive role involves navigating complex global energy dynamics, managing supply chains, and optimizing resource allocation. Murphree's leadership is vital for Marubeni's presence in the energy sector, driving initiatives that align with market demands and sustainability goals. Perry Murphree ensures robust operational performance and strategic growth for Marubeni's oil and gas business.

    Taro Kawabe - Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer Finance, Leasing and Real Estate Business Division

    Taro Kawabe, the Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer Finance, Leasing and Real Estate Business Division at Marubeni, oversees the operational execution and strategic management of the finance, leasing, and real estate sectors. Kawabe directs the development and implementation of business strategies that drive growth and profitability within these divisions, managing complex financial transactions and real estate development projects. This leadership role is integral to Marubeni's diversified business portfolio, ensuring operational efficiency and market responsiveness. Kawabe's responsibilities include fostering innovation and managing risk across these critical business areas. Taro Kawabe ensures the robust performance and strategic expansion of Marubeni's finance, leasing, and real estate operations.

    Shingo Ozawa - Chief Technology Officer

    Shingo Ozawa, the Chief Technology Officer at Marubeni, spearheads the integration and advancement of technology across the conglomerate's diverse operations. Ozawa directs the strategic implementation of technological solutions that enhance efficiency and innovation in sectors such as energy, metals, and transportation machinery. This leadership role involves identifying and adopting cutting-edge technologies to optimize Marubeni's import/export functions, logistics, and information industry services. Ozawa's focus includes driving digital transformation initiatives that support the company's global business development and investment activities. Shingo Ozawa ensures Marubeni remains at the forefront of technological application, supporting sustainable growth and competitive advantage in all business areas.

    Ershad Assefi - Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    Ershad Assefi, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Marubeni, leads the convergence of information technology and technological innovation across the conglomerate. Assefi directs the strategic development and implementation of IT infrastructure and advanced technological solutions that support Marubeni's global trading, investment, and project management activities. This dual role ensures that information systems are robust, secure, and aligned with business objectives in sectors like energy, metals, and transportation. Assefi's oversight extends to optimizing digital workflows and leveraging data analytics for enhanced decision-making. Ershad Assefi drives technological advancement and information management, crucial for Marubeni's operational efficiency and competitive positioning in diverse international markets.

    Oikawa Kenichiro-marubeni - Cio

    Oikawa Kenichiro-marubeni, the Cio at Marubeni, leads the company's information technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Kenichiro-marubeni oversees the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure and systems that support Marubeni's extensive global trading and investment operations. This role is critical for enhancing operational efficiency, data security, and technological innovation across all business sectors, including energy, metals, and transportation machinery. Kenichiro-marubeni's focus includes leveraging digital solutions to drive business growth and maintain a competitive edge in the international market. Oikawa Kenichiro-marubeni ensures Marubeni's technological capabilities are aligned with its strategic objectives and future market demands.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Marubeni Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Marubeni?
    Marubeni is led by Horst Guenther (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jiro Itai (Chief Executive Officer, Transportation & Industrial Machinery, Financial Business Group) and Makoto Ishitani (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Marubeni’s executive team?
    The executive team of Marubeni includes leaders such as Horst Guenther (Chief Executive Officer), Jiro Itai (Chief Executive Officer, Transportation & Industrial Machinery, Financial Business Group), Makoto Ishitani (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Marubeni have?
    Marubeni has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Marubeni’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Marubeni includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Transportation & Industrial Machinery, Financial Business Group, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, 情報ソリューション部門長/Chief Operating Officer, IT Solutions Div..