Eriko Sakurai

Outside Director, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
Outside Director, Astellas Pharma Inc.
External Director, Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited

Ms. Sakurai has extensive experience in corporate management, having served for many years at the Japanese subsidiary of a U.S.-based chemical manufacturer with a global presence. She has also held outside director positions at multiple major manufacturers and financial institutions, contributing to governance oversight at global companies.
With her background in the chemical industry, she possesses deep insights into Kao Group’s chemical business, which operates alongside its consumer products business. She has actively contributed to Board discussions by providing valuable input from this perspective. Additionally, she has offered strategic guidance on compensation, talent development, and human resources management based on her experience in formulating and executing HR strategies in global business environments.
Since March 2024, she has served as Chairperson of the Committee for Examination of Nominees for Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members, overseeing discussions on Board composition, the skills required for directors to achieve K27, candidate selection, and succession planning.
Given her extensive experience and deep expertise, we expect her to continue supervising Kao Group’s management as an independent outside director. 
She continue serves as Chairperson of the Committee for Examination of Nominees for Directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members.