SmartNews Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

SmartNews has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to accessible information, SmartNews delivers quality news to millions globally through advanced machine learning and extensive publisher partnerships, shaping how users discover vital information.

Leadership Roles at SmartNews

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Kaisei Hamamoto
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jin Akiyama
  • Chief Operating Officer - Yi Ren
  • Chief Technology Officer - Haishan Liu
  • Kaisei Hamamoto - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Kaisei Hamamoto, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at SmartNews, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the global news-discovery company. Overseeing all facets of the business, Hamamoto ensures the delivery of quality information to millions of users worldwide. This leadership role involves leveraging SmartNews's unique machine learning technology and cultivating relationships with over 3,000 global publisher partners. By driving innovation and market expansion, Kaisei Hamamoto solidifies the company's position as a leader in digital news distribution. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on enhancing user experience and broadening the platform's reach across diverse international markets, directly impacting the company's mission to provide essential news efficiently.
    Kaisei Hamamoto

    Jin Akiyama - Chief Financial Officer

    Jin Akiyama, the Chief Financial Officer at SmartNews, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the global news-discovery platform. Overseeing all financial operations, Akiyama manages budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies to support SmartNews's expansion and technological advancements. This critical role involves ensuring robust financial controls and driving profitability to sustain the delivery of quality information to millions of users. By optimizing financial performance, Jin Akiyama enables continued investment in the company's unique machine learning technology and its relationships with over 3,000 global publisher partners. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures long-term financial stability and supports strategic growth initiatives across international markets.

    Yi Ren - Chief Operating Officer

    Yi Ren, the Chief Operating Officer at SmartNews, manages the day-to-day operational execution and scaling of the company's global initiatives. Overseeing critical business processes, Ren ensures the efficient integration of machine learning technology with publisher content to serve millions of users. This executive function involves optimizing workflows and resource allocation across various departments to support SmartNews's rapid growth and international presence. By streamlining operations, Yi Ren directly contributes to the company's ability to deliver timely and relevant news. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that operational strategies align with the company's mission of providing quality information worldwide and supporting the extensive network of over 3,000 publisher partners.

    Haishan Liu - Chief Technology Officer

    Haishan Liu, the Chief Technology Officer at SmartNews, architects and oversees the technological infrastructure that powers the company's innovative news-discovery platform. Directing all aspects of technology development, Liu ensures the continuous enhancement of the unique machine learning algorithms that personalize news delivery for millions of users. This executive function involves leading research and development efforts, managing the engineering teams, and safeguarding the integrity and scalability of the platform. By driving technological innovation, Haishan Liu directly supports SmartNews's mission to deliver quality information and strengthens its partnerships with over 3,000 global publishers. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic vision is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
    Haishan Liu

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SmartNews Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SmartNews?
    SmartNews is led by Kaisei Hamamoto (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jin Akiyama (Chief Financial Officer) and Yi Ren (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of SmartNews’s executive team?
    The executive team of SmartNews includes leaders such as Kaisei Hamamoto (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Jin Akiyama (Chief Financial Officer), Yi Ren (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SmartNews have?
    SmartNews has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SmartNews’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SmartNews includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer.