NYK Line Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

NYK Line has 5 executives leading key functions including energy division management, financial strategy, business operations, marine safety, and corporate planning.

Focused on global logistics and bulk shipping, NYK Line maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable maritime transportation solutions across international markets.

Leadership Roles at NYK Line

  • Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division - Akira Kono
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer - Naoki Shindo
  • Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group - Shogo Terajima
  • Chief Information Officer & Group Senior VP, Business Management - Kenneth Donnelly
  • Chief Safety Officer (Marine) - Hisaya Higuchi
  • Akira Kono - Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division

    Akira Kono, the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division at NYK Line, directs the strategic expansion of energy-related shipping assets. Kono oversees the deployment of specialized vessels for liquefied natural gas and crude oil transport, ensuring alignment with global energy demand. By managing complex supply chain requirements, the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division optimizes fleet utilization across major international trade routes. This leadership role involves coordinating with global partners to secure long-term energy contracts while maintaining rigorous environmental standards. Akira Kono drives the transition toward greener fuel technologies, reducing the carbon footprint of the energy fleet. Through constant monitoring of market volatility, the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division mitigates operational risks. Kono secures the competitive position of the energy division by integrating advanced logistics data into daily decision-making processes, ultimately supporting the broader financial objectives of the organization.

    Naoki Shindo - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer

    Naoki Shindo, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer at NYK Line, manages the fiscal health and long-term growth trajectory of the enterprise. Shindo oversees capital allocation, financial reporting, and strategic planning initiatives that define the company's market presence. By analyzing global economic trends, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer identifies investment opportunities in logistics and bulk shipping sectors. Naoki Shindo directs the alignment of corporate resources with the overarching mission of maritime excellence. This leadership role involves frequent collaboration with the Board to ensure transparency and shareholder value. Through rigorous oversight of financial performance, Shindo maintains the stability of the organization during market fluctuations. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer executes complex financial restructuring projects, ensuring the company remains agile and prepared for future expansion across diverse geographic regions.

    Shogo Terajima - Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group

    Shogo Terajima, the Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group at NYK Line, facilitates the execution of high-level corporate strategies. Terajima oversees the coordination of planning initiatives that align departmental goals with the vision of the President. By managing the flow of information between the executive office and the various business units, the Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group ensures organizational cohesion. Shogo Terajima directs the preparation of strategic reports and presentations that guide the company's long-term development. This leadership role involves monitoring the progress of key corporate projects and ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed of strategic shifts. Through the synthesis of complex data, the Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group supports the decision-making process of the senior leadership team. Terajima maintains the operational rhythm of the corporate planning group, ensuring that all strategic objectives are met with precision and efficiency.

    Kenneth Donnelly - Chief Information Officer & Group Senior VP, Business Management

    Kenneth Donnelly, the Chief Information Officer & Group Senior VP, Business Management at NYK Line, architects the digital infrastructure supporting global logistics operations. Donnelly oversees the integration of advanced data analytics and cybersecurity protocols across the entire shipping network. By streamlining business management processes, the Chief Information Officer & Group Senior VP, Business Management enhances operational efficiency and real-time tracking capabilities for cargo. Kenneth Donnelly drives the digital transformation of the fleet, ensuring seamless communication between land-based logistics hubs and vessels at sea. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT projects that support the company's diverse real estate and transportation interests. Through the implementation of scalable software solutions, the Chief Information Officer & Group Senior VP, Business Management optimizes resource allocation. Donnelly ensures that technological advancements directly contribute to the reduction of operational costs and the improvement of service delivery standards across all international business units.

    Hisaya Higuchi - Chief Safety Officer (Marine)

    Hisaya Higuchi, the Chief Safety Officer (Marine) at NYK Line, enforces rigorous safety protocols across the global maritime fleet. Higuchi oversees the implementation of international maritime regulations and internal safety standards to protect crew members and cargo. By conducting regular risk assessments, the Chief Safety Officer (Marine) identifies potential hazards in bulk shipping and liner trade operations. Hisaya Higuchi directs the training programs for maritime personnel, ensuring compliance with the highest industry benchmarks. This leadership role involves coordinating with regulatory bodies to maintain the integrity of the company's safety management systems. Through the continuous monitoring of vessel performance, the Chief Safety Officer (Marine) minimizes the risk of accidents and environmental incidents. Higuchi drives the adoption of safety-focused technologies, ensuring that every voyage adheres to the company's commitment to secure and reliable transportation services across all operational geographies.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Marine Shipping & Transportation

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NYK Line Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NYK Line?
    NYK Line is led by Akira Kono (Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division), along with executives such as Naoki Shindo (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer) and Shogo Terajima (Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group).
    Who is part of NYK Line’s executive team?
    The executive team of NYK Line includes leaders such as Akira Kono (Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division), Naoki Shindo (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer), Shogo Terajima (Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NYK Line have?
    NYK Line has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NYK Line’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NYK Line includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer of Energy Division, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Secretary To the President, Corporate Planning Group, Chief Information Officer & Group Senior VP, Business Management, Chief Safety Officer (Marine).