Watches

Seiko Watch Corp. Shakes Up Executive Board

WatchesApr 05, 2021

Seiko Watch Corp. Shakes Up Executive Board

Akio Naito has been named president of the watch company as its CEO moves into a new role.

20210405_Akio Naito.jpg
Akio Naito is the new president of Seiko Watch Corporation.
Tokyo—Seiko Watch Corporation has shaken up its global management structure in Tokyo, announcing several executive position changes.
 
Seiko CEO Shinji Hattori is stepping down from the role, though he will remain chairman and group CEO and CCO of Seiko Holdings Corporation.
 
The role of CEO will not be filled, according to a report by WWD.
 
Hattori’s great-grandfather Kintaro Hattori founded the watch company in 1881.
 
Akio Naito, formerly the deputy chief operating officer, has been appointed president.
 
Naito has held leadership roles in both Australia and Japan and had a hand in establishing Grand Seiko Corporation of America and Grand Seiko Europe, lending his financial and managerial know-how to the international subsidiaries.
 
"With his extensive experience in a variety of roles within our organization, I am certain Mr. Naito is the right person to lead SWC in this new era that is now dawning," said Hattori. 
 
Naito succeeds former president Shuji Takahashi, who will step in as president of Seiko Holdings Corp in June and later transition to director of Seiko Watch Corporation.
 
Seiko Watch Corporation is comprised of Seiko, Grand Seiko, and Credor.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

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