Sojitz Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sojitz has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, strategy, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to global trade and investment, Sojitz executes complex projects across diverse sectors, fostering economic growth and delivering essential goods and services worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Sojitz

  • President, Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) & General Manager, MEA Office - Taro Okamura
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania) - Shigeya Kusano
  • Chief Operating Officer - Serdar Gursoy
  • Associate, Chief Operating Officer Office - Kenta Yagura
  • Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Takefumi Nishikawa
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, & Oceania (Asia) - Eiji Yoshitomi
  • Division Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Metals, Mineral Resources & Recycle - Tsutomu Toshio
  • Deputy General Manager, Chief Operating Officer Office, Business Development - Shanthan Selvakumar
  • President - Ryosuke Gokyu
  • President - Atsushi Koga
  • Taro Okamura - President, Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) & General Manager, MEA Office

    Taro Okamura, the President, Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) & General Manager, MEA Office at Sojitz, leads the company's strategic vision and operational execution throughout the Middle East and Africa. This pivotal role involves driving business growth, managing investment portfolios, and overseeing all trading activities within these dynamic regions. Okamura is responsible for identifying new market opportunities, fostering key business relationships, and ensuring that Sojitz's operations in sectors like mineral resources and agricultural products align with global corporate objectives. The leadership of Taro Okamura is critical for expanding Sojitz's presence and impact in the MEA region, navigating complex geopolitical and economic landscapes to achieve sustainable success and contribute to regional development through comprehensive trading and project coordination.

    Shigeya Kusano - President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania)

    Shigeya Kusano, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania) at Sojitz, directs the company's comprehensive business strategy and operational oversight across the expansive Asia and Oceania markets. This senior leadership position involves driving growth, managing significant investment activities, and orchestrating trading operations in diverse sectors including automobiles, chemicals, and consumer goods. Kusano is responsible for identifying strategic opportunities, building robust partnerships, and ensuring that Sojitz's regional presence aligns with its global mission. The leadership of Shigeya Kusano is crucial for navigating the unique economic landscapes of Asia and Oceania, fostering innovation, and solidifying Sojitz's position as a leading general trading company committed to contributing to regional development and economic progress.

    Serdar Gursoy - Chief Operating Officer

    Serdar Gursoy, the Chief Operating Officer at Sojitz, directs the company's extensive operational framework. This leadership involves overseeing the seamless execution of import, export, and trading activities across numerous global markets. Gursoy ensures that Sojitz's diverse business units, spanning automobiles, energy, and foodstuff resources, maintain peak operational efficiency and strategic alignment. The role demands a deep understanding of international supply chains and regulatory environments, critical for navigating the complexities of a sogo shosha. By optimizing internal processes and resource allocation, Serdar Gursoy drives the company's capacity to engage in large-scale project coordination and investment activities, directly supporting Sojitz's mission to facilitate global commerce and development. This executive's focus is on enhancing the company's global operational footprint and ensuring robust business performance across all sectors.

    Kenta Yagura - Associate, Chief Operating Officer Office

    Kenta Yagura, the Associate, Chief Operating Officer Office at Sojitz, supports the strategic direction and operational execution managed by the Chief Operating Officer. This position involves detailed analysis of business performance metrics and contributing to the development of operational strategies across Sojitz's wide array of industries, including chemicals and consumer goods. Yagura assists in coordinating cross-functional initiatives, ensuring that projects and trading activities adhere to company objectives and market demands. The role requires meticulous attention to detail in managing operational data and supporting the implementation of new business processes. Kenta Yagura's contributions are vital for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of Sojitz's global trading operations and investment activities, reinforcing the company's position as a comprehensive general trading company.

    Takefumi Nishikawa - Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer

    Takefumi Nishikawa, the Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer at Sojitz, spearheads critical operational functions within the organization. This executive officer role involves direct oversight of key business processes that underpin Sojitz's global trading and investment activities. Nishikawa is responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of import and export operations, product manufacturing, and service provision across diverse sectors such as mineral resources and industrial parks. The scope of this position includes driving operational improvements and fostering synergies between different business units to enhance overall company performance. Takefumi Nishikawa's leadership ensures that Sojitz effectively manages its extensive portfolio of projects and investments, contributing significantly to the company's strategic goals and its role as a major player in international commerce.

    Eiji Yoshitomi - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, & Oceania (Asia)

    Eiji Yoshitomi, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, & Oceania (Asia) at Sojitz, directs significant operational and strategic initiatives across the Asia and Oceania regions. This executive role encompasses the management of Sojitz's diverse business interests within these key geographical areas, including automobiles, energy, and foodstuff resources. Yoshitomi is instrumental in driving business development, coordinating import and export activities, and overseeing project planning and execution tailored to the specific market dynamics of Asia and Oceania. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of regional business landscapes and regulatory frameworks to foster growth and ensure operational excellence. Eiji Yoshitomi's leadership ensures Sojitz effectively leverages its global network to achieve its investment and trading objectives in these vital markets.

    Tsutomu Toshio - Division Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Metals, Mineral Resources & Recycle

    Tsutomu Toshio, the Division Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Metals, Mineral Resources & Recycle at Sojitz, manages critical operational aspects within these specialized sectors. This executive focuses on the efficient execution of trading, investment, and project coordination related to metals, mineral resources, and recycling initiatives globally. Toshio oversees the supply chain, logistics, and business development strategies designed to optimize resource utilization and market penetration. The role demands expertise in commodity markets and a keen understanding of sustainable practices within the resource sector. Tsutomu Toshio's leadership ensures that Sojitz effectively navigates the complexities of the metals and minerals industries, driving value creation and supporting the company's commitment to responsible resource management and circular economy principles.

    Shanthan Selvakumar - Deputy General Manager, Chief Operating Officer Office, Business Development

    Shanthan Selvakumar, the Deputy General Manager, Chief Operating Officer Office, Business Development at Sojitz, plays a key role in advancing the company's strategic growth initiatives. This position involves supporting the Chief Operating Officer in identifying and developing new business opportunities across Sojitz's diverse portfolio, which spans energy, foodstuff resources, and industrial parks. Selvakumar contributes to market analysis, feasibility studies, and the formulation of business development strategies designed to expand Sojitz's global reach and operational capabilities. The role requires a strong understanding of market trends and a proactive approach to identifying potential investments and trading ventures. Shanthan Selvakumar's efforts are integral to driving innovation and ensuring Sojitz's continued expansion in the global marketplace.

    Ryosuke Gokyu - President

    Ryosuke Gokyu, the President at Sojitz, holds a significant leadership position within the organization, driving strategic direction and operational oversight. This executive's responsibilities encompass guiding key business units and fostering growth across Sojitz's diverse global operations, which include sectors such as automobiles, energy, and mineral resources. Gokyu is focused on enhancing the company's trading capabilities, investment strategies, and project coordination efforts to meet evolving market demands. The leadership of Ryosuke Gokyu is essential for maintaining Sojitz's competitive edge and ensuring its continued success as a premier general trading company, committed to delivering value and contributing to economic development worldwide through its extensive business activities.

    Atsushi Koga - President

    Atsushi Koga, the President at Sojitz, directs critical aspects of the company's global strategy and operational framework. This executive leadership role involves overseeing significant business segments, including chemicals, foodstuff resources, and consumer goods, ensuring alignment with Sojitz's overarching mission. Koga focuses on driving innovation, expanding market presence, and optimizing trading and investment activities across international markets. The strategic vision of Atsushi Koga is vital for navigating complex global economic conditions and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, thereby reinforcing Sojitz's position as a leading general trading company dedicated to facilitating commerce and contributing to sustainable global development through its broad range of services and projects.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sojitz Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sojitz?
    Sojitz is led by Taro Okamura (President, Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) & General Manager, MEA Office), along with executives such as Shigeya Kusano (President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania)) and Serdar Gursoy (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Sojitz’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sojitz includes leaders such as Taro Okamura (President, Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) & General Manager, MEA Office), Shigeya Kusano (President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania)), Serdar Gursoy (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sojitz have?
    Sojitz has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sojitz’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sojitz includes roles such as President, Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) & General Manager, MEA Office, President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania), Chief Operating Officer, Associate, Chief Operating Officer Office, Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer.