Eriko Sakurai

Outside Director, Astellas Pharma Inc.
Outside Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

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, and 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, contributing to progress of the discussions on Board composition, the skills required for directors to achieve K27, candidate selection, and succession planning. In 2025, as Chair of the Committee, she led the implementation and enhancement of an appropriate and highly transparent appointment process, while also engaging in constructive dialogue with investors through SR meetings. She has also contributed to the further enhancement of the Company’s corporate governance, including by calling for greater clarity in the appointment process. Given her extensive experience and deep expertise, we expect her to continue supervising Kao Group’s management as an independent outside director.