Rakuten Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rakuten has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, and innovation.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Rakuten is dedicated to building a comprehensive digital ecosystem that enhances global lifestyles through interconnected businesses and a unified membership experience.

Leadership Roles at Rakuten

  • 代表取締役社長 CEO - Ryugen Shimizu
  • Group Managing Executive Officer. Chief of Staff To the Group Chief Executive Officer. Vice President of Sports Business. Vice President of Incubation Business - Hideaki Mukai
  • President, RakAbility ERG - Nathan Fitch
  • President, Rakuten Employee Diversity & Inclusion Committee - Elise Nolen
  • Managing Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer(Chief Marketing & Mobile Officer) - Kenichiro Nakajima
  • Manager and Chief Marketing Officer Office and Marketing Analysis - Kazunori Oyama
  • Vice Group Manager - Sachie Shimomura
  • Ryugen Shimizu - 代表取締役社長 CEO

    Ryugen Shimizu, the 代表取締役社長 CEO at Rakuten, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the global technology conglomerate. Shimizu's leadership ensures the seamless integration of Rakuten's diverse business segments, including Internet Services, FinTech, Mobile, and Digital Content, into a cohesive ecosystem. Overseeing approximately 1.9 billion members worldwide, Shimizu drives initiatives that enhance user experience and expand market reach across more than 30 countries. This executive role involves aligning the company's pioneering spirit with sustainable growth, ensuring that Rakuten's innovative platforms, such as its e-commerce marketplace and financial services, continue to process trillions of yen in annual transactions. Ryugen Shimizu's focus remains on strengthening the Rakuten membership ID and the Super Points loyalty program, fostering a unified digital experience that underpins the company's market impact and future development.

    Hideaki Mukai - Group Managing Executive Officer. Chief of Staff To the Group Chief Executive Officer. Vice President of Sports Business. Vice President of Incubation Business

    Hideaki Mukai, the Group Managing Executive Officer. Chief of Staff To the Group Chief Executive Officer. Vice President of Sports Business. Vice President of Incubation Business at Rakuten, provides critical strategic support directly to the Group Chief Executive Officer. Mukai's responsibilities encompass managing key operational initiatives and driving the incubation of new business ventures, ensuring alignment with Rakuten's expansive digital ecosystem. This executive role involves overseeing the development and growth of the Sports Business segment, identifying emerging market opportunities, and fostering innovation across the conglomerate. By managing the Chief of Staff function, Hideaki Mukai ensures efficient communication and execution of executive directives across Rakuten's diverse global operations. Mukai's leadership in incubation business development is vital for identifying and scaling future growth engines within the company's extensive portfolio, contributing to the overall strategic direction and operational efficiency of Rakuten's interconnected businesses.

    Nathan Fitch - President, RakAbility ERG

    Nathan Fitch, the President, RakAbility ERG at Rakuten, champions initiatives focused on disability inclusion and accessibility within the company's global operations. Fitch leads the Rakuten Ability Employee Resource Group, fostering an environment where employees with disabilities can thrive and contribute fully to Rakuten's innovative ecosystem. This leadership role involves developing programs and policies that promote equal opportunities and remove barriers to employment and advancement across all business segments, including Internet Services, FinTech, and Mobile. By advocating for accessibility, Nathan Fitch ensures that Rakuten's platforms and services are designed to be inclusive for its 1.9 billion members worldwide. Fitch's dedication to diversity and inclusion strengthens Rakuten's corporate culture and enhances its reputation as a socially responsible technology conglomerate.
    Nathan Fitch

    Elise Nolen - President, Rakuten Employee Diversity & Inclusion Committee

    Elise Nolen, the President, Rakuten Employee Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Rakuten, drives strategic programs to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable workplace across the global organization. Nolen's leadership focuses on advancing diversity initiatives that support employees across all of Rakuten's interconnected businesses, from e-commerce and FinTech to mobile communications. This executive role involves collaborating with various departments to implement policies and practices that foster a sense of belonging and ensure equal opportunities for all team members. By championing diversity and inclusion, Elise Nolen contributes to strengthening Rakuten's corporate culture and enhancing its ability to attract and retain top talent worldwide. Nolen's efforts are integral to maintaining Rakuten's position as an innovative and socially conscious global technology conglomerate.

    Kenichiro Nakajima - Managing Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer(Chief Marketing & Mobile Officer)

    Kenichiro Nakajima, the Managing Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer(Chief Marketing & Mobile Officer) at Rakuten, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies across the company's vast digital ecosystem. Nakajima's leadership drives brand visibility and customer acquisition for Rakuten's diverse offerings, from its flagship e-commerce platform, Rakuten Ichiba, to its FinTech services and Rakuten Mobile network. This executive role involves overseeing all marketing analysis and campaign development, ensuring cohesive brand messaging and maximizing engagement with Rakuten's 1.9 billion members globally. By integrating marketing efforts with the mobile business, Kenichiro Nakajima ensures that Rakuten's communication strategies effectively reach and resonate with target audiences across multiple platforms and regions. Nakajima's strategic direction is crucial for driving growth in internet services, financial products, and mobile subscriptions, reinforcing Rakuten's position as a leading global technology conglomerate.
    Kenichiro Nakajima

    Kazunori Oyama - Manager and Chief Marketing Officer Office and Marketing Analysis

    Kazunori Oyama, the Manager and Chief Marketing Officer Office and Marketing Analysis at Rakuten, supports the strategic direction of marketing initiatives and provides critical data-driven insights. Oyama's role involves analyzing market trends and campaign performance to optimize Rakuten's extensive advertising and e-commerce platforms. This executive function focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of marketing efforts across Rakuten's diverse business segments, including Internet Services, FinTech, and Mobile. By managing the marketing analysis function, Kazunori Oyama ensures that strategic decisions are informed by robust data, contributing to the efficient allocation of resources and the maximization of return on investment for marketing campaigns. Oyama's contributions are vital for understanding member behavior and refining engagement strategies across Rakuten's global ecosystem, supporting the overall growth objectives of the company.

    Sachie Shimomura - Vice Group Manager

    Sachie Shimomura, the Vice Group Manager at Rakuten, supports the operational management and strategic execution within a designated group of the company's extensive business units. Shimomura's responsibilities involve contributing to the efficient functioning of teams and ensuring alignment with Rakuten's overarching goals across its diverse portfolio, which spans Internet Services, FinTech, Mobile, and Digital Content. This role requires a deep understanding of operational dynamics and the ability to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve key performance indicators. By assisting in group management, Sachie Shimomura plays a part in optimizing workflows and driving productivity within the organization. Shimomura's contributions are essential for maintaining the operational integrity and supporting the continued growth of Rakuten's interconnected digital ecosystem.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Holding Companies & Conglomerates

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rakuten Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rakuten?
    Rakuten is led by Ryugen Shimizu (代表取締役社長 CEO), along with executives such as Hideaki Mukai (Group Managing Executive Officer. Chief of Staff To the Group Chief Executive Officer. Vice President of Sports Business. Vice President of Incubation Business) and Nathan Fitch (President, RakAbility ERG).
    Who is part of Rakuten’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rakuten includes leaders such as Ryugen Shimizu (代表取締役社長 CEO), Hideaki Mukai (Group Managing Executive Officer. Chief of Staff To the Group Chief Executive Officer. Vice President of Sports Business. Vice President of Incubation Business), Nathan Fitch (President, RakAbility ERG) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rakuten have?
    Rakuten has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rakuten’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rakuten includes roles such as 代表取締役社長 CEO, Group Managing Executive Officer. Chief of Staff To the Group Chief Executive Officer. Vice President of Sports Business. Vice President of Incubation Business, President, RakAbility ERG, President, Rakuten Employee Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Managing Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer(Chief Marketing & Mobile Officer).