SmartNews Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to delivering quality information, SmartNews empowers millions globally through advanced machine learning and extensive publisher partnerships, shaping the future of news discovery.

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 company strategy and vision. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's expansion and ensuring its mission to deliver quality information to millions of users worldwide is consistently met. Hamamoto oversees the integration of unique machine learning technology with relationships spanning over 3,000 global publisher partners, a critical component of SmartNews's success. By driving innovation and setting strategic priorities, Kaisei Hamamoto ensures the company maintains its position as a leading global news-discovery platform. The Chief Executive Officer's focus extends to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across all departments, directly impacting the company's download numbers, which have surpassed 50 million globally. This executive's influence shapes the very core of SmartNews's market impact and future development.
    Kaisei Hamamoto

    Jin Akiyama - Chief Financial Officer

    Jin Akiyama, the Chief Financial Officer at SmartNews, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. This executive oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the company's global growth initiatives and technological advancements. Akiyama ensures robust financial controls are in place, safeguarding the company's assets and optimizing profitability in alignment with SmartNews's mission. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing investor relations and securing funding necessary for continued expansion and the enhancement of its unique machine learning technology. By providing critical financial insights, Jin Akiyama supports strategic decision-making across departments, ensuring sustainable operations and driving the company's financial health. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the company's operational capacity and its ability to serve millions of users through partnerships with over 3,000 global publishers.

    Yi Ren - Chief Operating Officer

    Yi Ren, the Chief Operating Officer at SmartNews, oversees the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across the organization. This executive ensures that the company's global operations, including its extensive network of over 3,000 publisher partners, function seamlessly to deliver quality information to millions of users. Ren manages the scaling of internal processes and systems, directly supporting the company's mission and its rapid growth, evidenced by more than 50 million global downloads. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes optimizing workflows, enhancing cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring the effective deployment of resources to support technological innovation and market expansion. By driving operational excellence, Yi Ren plays a crucial role in maintaining SmartNews's competitive advantage and its ability to consistently provide valuable news content worldwide. This leadership position is fundamental to the company's sustained success and global reach.

    Haishan Liu - Chief Technology Officer

    Haishan Liu, the Chief Technology Officer at SmartNews, architects and directs the company's technological infrastructure and innovation roadmap. This executive leads the development and refinement of the unique machine learning technology that powers SmartNews's news-discovery platform, ensuring efficient delivery of quality information to millions of users. Liu oversees all aspects of technology strategy, including data science, engineering, and product development, working closely with publisher partners to integrate content seamlessly. The Chief Technology Officer's role is pivotal in maintaining the platform's scalability and performance, supporting over 50 million global downloads. By driving technological advancements, Haishan Liu ensures SmartNews remains at the forefront of the media industry, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. This leadership function is critical for the company's competitive edge and its ability to adapt to evolving digital landscapes.
    Haishan Liu

    Explore Leadership Teams in Media & Internet

    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.