Sojitz Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sojitz has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Driven by a global vision, Sojitz is dedicated to fostering diverse business activities worldwide, investing in various sectors, and coordinating complex projects to deliver comprehensive services and drive market growth.

Leadership Roles at Sojitz

  • Chief Executive Officer - Maxim Tralo
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Takuji Asano
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Naoto Hatori
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) - Inoue Shuhei
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania) - Shigeya Kusano
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shuji Akiyoshi
  • 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
  • Maxim Tralo - Chief Executive Officer

    Maxim Tralo, the Chief Executive Officer at Sojitz, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global business development. Tralo oversees the integration of diverse business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission as a sogo shosha. This leadership involves navigating complex international markets, from automobiles and energy to foodstuff and industrial parks. Maxim Tralo's focus is on identifying new investment opportunities and optimizing existing ventures across Japan and overseas. The Chief Executive Officer drives the company's expansion into new territories and sectors, fostering innovation and sustainable growth. This role demands a deep understanding of global trade dynamics and financial markets, ensuring Sojitz maintains its competitive edge.

    Takuji Asano - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Takuji Asano, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sojitz, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution. Asano guides the global trading activities, encompassing import, export, and project coordination across numerous industries. This includes driving initiatives in sectors such as mineral resources, chemicals, and consumer goods. Takuji Asano's leadership ensures the seamless functioning of Sojitz's diverse portfolio, from manufacturing to service provision. The President & Chief Executive Officer is pivotal in forging international partnerships and expanding market reach. This executive role involves significant financial oversight and investment strategy, crucial for Sojitz's continued global presence and development.

    Naoto Hatori - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Naoto Hatori, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sojitz, commands the strategic vision and operational framework for the corporation. Hatori directs the company's extensive global operations, which span buying, selling, and project coordination in diverse sectors like agriculture and forestry resources. This leadership position involves overseeing Sojitz's investments and financing activities worldwide. Naoto Hatori's mandate includes enhancing the company's market position through innovative business models and strategic alliances. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all business units operate cohesively, contributing to the overall growth and stability of the enterprise. This role is central to Sojitz's identity as a comprehensive general trading company.

    Inoue Shuhei - President & Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa)

    Inoue Shuhei, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) at Sojitz, directs regional business expansion and strategic initiatives within these key markets. Shuhei oversees the import and export of goods, service provision, and project coordination tailored to the unique demands of the Middle East and Africa. This leadership involves identifying and capitalizing on investment opportunities in sectors such as energy and industrial parks across the specified regions. Inoue Shuhei's role is critical in fostering local partnerships and ensuring Sojitz's operations align with regional economic development goals. The President & Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa) drives revenue growth and market penetration, solidifying Sojitz's presence in these dynamic territories.

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

    Shigeya Kusano, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania) at Sojitz, leads strategic development and operational management within the Asia and Oceania regions. Kusano directs the company's diverse business activities, including trade, investment, and project coordination, tailored to the specific market dynamics of these areas. This involves overseeing operations in sectors such as automobiles and foodstuff resources, ensuring alignment with regional economic trends. Shigeya Kusano's leadership is crucial for expanding Sojitz's market share and fostering strong business relationships across Asia and Oceania. The President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania) drives growth initiatives and ensures the effective implementation of corporate strategies in these vital territories.

    Shuji Akiyoshi - Chief Financial Officer

    Shuji Akiyoshi, the Chief Financial Officer at Sojitz, manages the company's comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal operations. Akiyoshi oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and investment analysis, ensuring robust fiscal health across Sojitz's global ventures. This includes managing capital allocation for diverse sectors like automobiles and foodstuff resources, and overseeing financing activities. Shuji Akiyoshi's responsibilities extend to risk management and compliance, safeguarding the company's assets and financial integrity. The Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial part in strategic decision-making, providing financial insights that guide corporate growth and investment priorities. Akiyoshi ensures financial transparency and accountability throughout the organization.

    Serdar Gursoy - Chief Operating Officer

    Serdar Gursoy, the Chief Operating Officer at Sojitz, directs the operational efficiency and execution of the company's global business activities. Gursoy oversees the day-to-day management of diverse functions, including manufacturing, sales, and service provision, ensuring seamless integration across all business units. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chains and project coordination for sectors ranging from mineral resources to consumer goods. Serdar Gursoy's focus is on enhancing operational performance and driving productivity improvements throughout Sojitz's international operations. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with other executives to implement strategic objectives and ensure the effective deployment of resources. Gursoy's efforts are critical to maintaining Sojitz's competitive advantage.

    Kenta Yagura - Associate, Chief Operating Officer Office

    Kenta Yagura, the Associate, Chief Operating Officer Office at Sojitz, supports the strategic execution and operational oversight managed by the Chief Operating Officer. Yagura contributes to the coordination of diverse business functions, including import/export activities and project planning across various industries. This role involves assisting in the analysis of operational data to identify areas for efficiency gains and process improvements within Sojitz's global framework. Kenta Yagura aids in ensuring that operational strategies align with the company's broader objectives in sectors like energy and chemicals. The Associate, Chief Operating Officer Office facilitates communication and collaboration between different departments, supporting the smooth functioning of Sojitz's extensive operations.

    Takefumi Nishikawa - Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer

    Takefumi Nishikawa, the Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer at Sojitz, drives operational excellence and strategic implementation across the company's global enterprises. Nishikawa oversees the coordination of complex projects and the efficient execution of business processes in sectors such as agricultural and forestry resources. This leadership involves optimizing logistics and supply chain management to enhance service delivery and product distribution. Takefumi Nishikawa's mandate includes fostering innovation within operational frameworks and ensuring adherence to quality standards. The Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer plays a vital role in streamlining operations and maximizing resource utilization to support Sojitz's growth objectives worldwide.

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

    Eiji Yoshitomi, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, & Oceania (Asia) at Sojitz, spearheads operational strategies and business development across Asia and Oceania. Yoshitomi oversees the execution of diverse trading activities, manufacturing, and service provision, ensuring operational synergy within these key geographical areas. This leadership role involves managing complex projects and optimizing supply chains for sectors including chemicals and industrial parks. Eiji Yoshitomi's focus is on enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainable growth by leveraging regional market opportunities. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, & Oceania (Asia) plays a critical part in aligning regional operations with Sojitz's global objectives and financial targets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sojitz Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sojitz?
    Sojitz is led by Maxim Tralo (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Takuji Asano (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Naoto Hatori (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Sojitz’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sojitz includes leaders such as Maxim Tralo (Chief Executive Officer), Takuji Asano (President & Chief Executive Officer), Naoto Hatori (President & Chief Executive 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer (Middle East & Africa), President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia & Oceania).