Rakuten Kobo Executive and Leadership Team

Kazumasa Mise, the Chief Executive Officer at Rakuten Kobo, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the company's global expansion and ensuring alignment with Rakuten's broader digital content objectives. Overseeing all major business units, Kazumasa Mise drives initiatives focused on enhancing the customer experience across e-book and e-reader platforms. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering innovation in product development and maintaining strong relationships with content partners. This executive ensures the company's long-term vision translates into tangible market success and sustained growth. By setting strategic priorities, Mise champions the company's mission to make reading more accessible and enjoyable for a global audience. The Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to financial performance and market positioning, solidifying Rakuten Kobo's standing in the digital publishing industry.

Sharad Sriwastawa, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Rakuten Kobo, shares executive leadership responsibilities, focusing on specific strategic imperatives and operational oversight. This role involves driving key growth initiatives and ensuring the efficient functioning of critical business segments. Overseeing cross-functional teams, Sharad Sriwastawa spearheads projects aimed at optimizing the digital content ecosystem and expanding market reach. The Co-Chief Executive Officer's duties include managing strategic partnerships and exploring new avenues for revenue generation. This executive works closely with other C-suite leaders to implement innovative solutions that enhance user engagement and platform performance. By directing operational efficiencies, Sriwastawa contributes significantly to the company's competitive edge. The Co-Chief Executive Officer's leadership ensures the company remains agile and responsive to evolving market demands, reinforcing Rakuten Kobo's commitment to delivering exceptional value to readers and authors alike.

Akari Imamura, the Chief Executive Officer, Strategy Office at Rakuten Kobo, leads the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans for the organization. This executive role focuses on identifying market trends, competitive landscapes, and opportunities for future growth and diversification. Overseeing strategic planning and market analysis, Akari Imamura drives initiatives to enhance Rakuten Kobo's competitive positioning and explore new business ventures. The Chief Executive Officer, Strategy Office's responsibilities include conducting feasibility studies, evaluating potential mergers and acquisitions, and advising the executive board on strategic direction. This executive ensures that all strategic decisions align with the company's core mission and financial objectives. By directing strategic foresight, Imamura guides Rakuten Kobo towards sustainable expansion and innovation. The Chief Executive Officer, Strategy Office's leadership is crucial for navigating the dynamic digital publishing industry and securing long-term success.

Anna Giagkou, the Chief Financial Officer at Rakuten Kobo, manages the company's financial operations, planning, and reporting. This executive role involves overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation to support strategic growth initiatives. Overseeing the finance and accounting departments, Anna Giagkou ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with all regulatory requirements. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing financial risk, optimizing cash flow, and providing critical financial insights to the executive team. This executive plays a key part in securing funding and managing investor relations. By directing financial strategy, Giagkou ensures the company's financial stability and supports informed decision-making across all business units. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership is essential for maintaining profitability and driving sustainable economic performance for Rakuten Kobo.

Satoru Yamatomi, the Director and Chief Financial Officer at Rakuten Kobo, holds a pivotal position in overseeing the company's financial health and strategic fiscal direction. This executive role involves managing financial planning, analysis, and reporting to support operational objectives and long-term growth strategies. Overseeing financial operations and accounting functions, Satoru Yamatomi ensures adherence to fiscal policies and regulatory compliance across all markets. The Director and Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include optimizing resource allocation, managing budgets, and providing critical financial guidance to the board and executive leadership. This individual plays a key role in financial risk assessment and mitigation. By directing financial stewardship, Yamatomi contributes to the company's stability and profitability. The Director and Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures sound financial management, underpinning Rakuten Kobo's expansion and operational excellence.

Nimod Narayanan, the Chief Technology Officer at Rakuten Kobo, architects and oversees the company's entire technology infrastructure and development roadmap. This critical role involves driving innovation in e-reader hardware, software platforms, and digital content delivery systems. Overseeing the engineering and product development teams, Nimod Narayanan ensures the delivery of robust, scalable, and user-friendly digital reading experiences. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include managing technological advancements, cybersecurity protocols, and data management strategies. This executive champions the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance platform performance and user engagement. By directing technology strategy, Narayanan ensures Rakuten Kobo remains at the forefront of digital publishing innovation. The Chief Technology Officer's leadership is pivotal in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the company's digital offerings, supporting global operations and content accessibility.

Udai Kanukolanu, the Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Kobo, directs all revenue-generating activities and sales strategies across global markets. This leadership position involves maximizing income streams from e-book sales, audiobooks, and device subscriptions. Overseeing the sales, marketing, and business development departments, Udai Kanukolanu drives initiatives to expand customer acquisition and retention. The Chief Revenue Officer's responsibilities include developing pricing strategies, managing key account relationships, and identifying new market opportunities. This executive works to ensure consistent revenue growth and profitability by optimizing sales funnels and enhancing customer lifetime value. By leading revenue operations, Kanukolanu directly impacts the company's financial health and market expansion. The Chief Revenue Officer's strategic focus ensures Rakuten Kobo achieves its commercial objectives and strengthens its position in the competitive digital content landscape.

Bettina Tso, the Chief of Staff, Global CDO Office at Rakuten Kobo, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the Chief Digital Officer's initiatives. This role involves streamlining communication, managing key projects, and ensuring the effective execution of digital transformation strategies across global operations. Overseeing project management and cross-departmental collaboration, Bettina Tso facilitates the implementation of new digital services and platform enhancements. The Chief of Staff, Global CDO Office's responsibilities include driving operational efficiency, preparing executive reports, and managing strategic planning processes. This executive acts as a key liaison between the CDO and other business units, ensuring alignment with company-wide objectives. By coordinating strategic efforts, Tso enhances the impact of digital initiatives. The Chief of Staff, Global CDO Office's leadership ensures the seamless integration of digital strategies, supporting Rakuten Kobo's mission to innovate in the digital reading space.

Xiaoxin Xia, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Security Officer at Rakuten Kobo, directs both the technological development and the comprehensive security posture of the company. This dual role ensures that all technology initiatives are not only innovative but also secure and resilient against evolving cyber threats. Overseeing engineering, IT operations, and information security teams, Xiaoxin Xia drives the implementation of robust security frameworks and advanced technological solutions. The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Security Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring platform integrity, and maintaining compliance with global security standards. This executive champions a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. By leading technology and security efforts, Xia ensures Rakuten Kobo's digital assets are protected and its platforms operate with maximum efficiency and reliability. The combined leadership ensures a secure and advanced technological foundation for all company operations.

Masahiro a Suzuki, the Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer & Group Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Rakuten Kobo, leads the comprehensive information technology and technology strategy for the organization. This multifaceted role ensures the integration of advanced technological solutions and robust IT infrastructure to support global business operations and digital content delivery. Overseeing IT departments, technology development, and information systems, Masahiro a Suzuki drives initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and platform innovation. The Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Information Officer & Group Chief Technology Officer & Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include managing technology investments, cybersecurity measures, and digital transformation projects. This executive ensures that technology aligns with business objectives, fostering a seamless user experience. By directing technology and information strategy, Suzuki enhances Rakuten Kobo's competitive advantage and operational resilience. The extensive leadership ensures a cutting-edge and secure technological framework for all company activities.