DeNA Founder Tomoko Namba Returns as President and CEO; Okumura Becomes Chairman
On May 12, DeNA announced that founder Tomoko Namba will return as President and CEO, while current President Shingo Okumura will become Chairman. The executive change aims to address rapid environmental shifts.
DeNA Founder Tomoko Namba Returns as President and CEO
DeNA announced on May 12, 2026, a planned change in the roles of its representative directors. Founder and former Representative Director Chairman Tomoko Namba will return as Representative Director President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Current President Shingo Okumura will assume the role of Representative Director Chairman.
Reasons and Background for the Executive Change
The company explained the rationale for the change, stating that amid rapid environmental shifts, there is a need to further accelerate business growth, enhance the speed of management decision-making to respond to future changes in the business environment, and achieve sustainable growth and increased corporate value. The move aims to drive transformation under Namba’s leadership.
Tomoko Namba is known as the founder of DeNA and has been involved in management as Chairman. Shingo Okumura has been responsible for the company’s operations as President and will now support management in his new role as Chairman.
Impact on Future Management
This executive change is seen as a measure to strengthen the company’s response to market changes, particularly in its gaming business. With Namba taking command as CEO, swift decision-making and business development are expected.
DeNA operates across diverse sectors including gaming, healthcare, and mobility, and attention is now focused on the future direction of its management strategy. The change is expected to be resolved at a board meeting following the 28th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for June 27.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What positions has Tomoko Namba held at DeNA?
- Tomoko Namba is the founder of DeNA and has previously served as Representative Director Chairman. She has also previously held the roles of President and CEO, and with this return, she will once again be at the forefront of management.
- Will there be any changes to DeNA's business strategy due to this executive change?
- No specific changes to business strategy have been announced. The stated purpose is to strengthen the organization in response to rapid environmental changes. Under Namba's leadership, moves to accelerate growth and enhance corporate value are likely to advance.
- What role will Shingo Okumura assume going forward?
- Shingo Okumura will become Representative Director Chairman. As Chairman, he will support management, while Namba, as President and CEO, will oversee executive operations.
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