Yoshihiro Hasebe

Director

Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Yoshihiro Hasebe

Profile

Apr. 1990 Joined the Company
Jul. 2003 Head of Laboratory 4, Research and Development - Performance Chemicals Research
Mar. 2008 Head of Laboratory 1, Household Products Research,
Research and Development -Fabric & Home Care Research
Mar. 2011 Vice President, Research and Development - Beauty Research - Hair Beauty Research
Jan. 2014 Vice President, Research and Development - Core Technology
Mar. 2014 Executive Officer; Vice President, Research and Development, Global
Mar. 2015 Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Global
Jan. 2016 Managing Executive Officer
Mar. 2016 Director
Jan. 2018 Senior Managing Executive Officer;
Responsible for Corporate Functions, Global
Apr. 2018 Senior Vice President, Strategic Innovative Technology
Mar. 2019 Representative Director (current)
Jan. 2021 President and Chief Executive Officer (current)
Jan. 2023 Responsible for DX Strategy

Other material position(s)

Chairperson, The Kao Foundation for Arts and Sciences

Reasons for the appointment

Mr. Hasebe has for many years been integral to driving Kao’s “Yoki-Monozukuri*1 ” philosophy to deliver innovative products that contribute to a harmonious and prosperous world through a focus on research and development. He has also served as the head of the Strategic Innovative Technology office, leading strategic digital transformation initiatives. He assumed the role of President and CEO in January 2021, and in 2023, he was instrumental in the formulation and launch of the K27 mid-term management plan which included the implementation of structural reforms aiming to establish Global Sharp Top*2 businesses. Since then, he has been vigorously driving the Global Sharp Top Strategy in both talent and business domains, ensuring steady progress on K27 to enhance corporate value. In 2025, he strengthened the foundation for global expansion by enhancing the competitiveness of our domestic consumer care business and advancing its profitability. We have determined that Mr. Hasebe’s leadership, along with his extensive experience and expertise, will further contribute to enhancing Kao Group’s corporate value by strengthening the Board’s strategic planning, decision-making, and oversight.

  1. *1 In Japanese, “yoki” means good or excellent, and “monozukuri” means making or craftsmanship. For us, Yoki-Monozukuri means an excellent creation process that is good for everyone involved and enriches the lives of consumers and customers
  2. *2 Global Sharp Top: Contributing as global No.1 to addressing the critical needs of customers with leading-edge solutions

Leadership

Leadership

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