Quick Takeaways
- Mitsubishi Motors new president appointment signals a major leadership transition.
- The management change aims to strengthen alliance cooperation and address global market challenges.
On January 21, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced that it has informally decided to appoint Mr. Keisuke Kishiura, age 56, as President & COO effective April 1. He currently serves as Corporate Officer and Division General Manager of the Corporate Planning Division.
This decision marks the first replacement of the company’s president in five years and reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ intent to reinforce leadership continuity while adapting to a rapidly changing automotive and geopolitical environment.
Mitsubishi Motors new president and revised executive structure
Under the updated structure, Mr. Takao Kato, age 63, who is currently President & CEO, will assume the role of Representative Executive Officer & CEO from April 1. He is also set to take office as Chairman & CEO following approval at a Board of Directors meeting after the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in June.
This leadership realignment is designed to balance strategic oversight with operational execution, enabling faster decision-making across core business areas.
Strategic priorities under the new leadership
With the Mitsubishi Motors new president stepping into the COO role, the company is expected to deepen cooperation with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The management team will also focus on addressing external pressures, including responses to U.S. tariffs.
Key focus areas under the revised structure include:
Experience behind the appointment
Mr. Kishiura joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1993 and has held several senior roles, including General Manager of the Corporate Planning Office, positions within the Corporate Strategy Division, and Division General Manager of the America Division. His background reflects deep experience in global strategy and regional operations.
Mr. Kato became CEO in 2019 and assumed the role of President & CEO in 2021. During his tenure, he shifted the company away from an expansion-driven approach toward selection and concentration of business operations. Structural reforms implemented under his leadership included the closure of Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Sakahogi-cho, Gifu Prefecture, contributing to improved earnings performance.
With this transition, Mitsubishi Motors positions itself for tighter operational control and stronger alliance-led growth as it navigates the next phase of its transformation.
This decision marks the first replacement of the company’s president in five years and reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ intent to reinforce leadership continuity while adapting to a rapidly changing automotive and geopolitical environment.
Mitsubishi Motors new president and revised executive structure
Under the updated structure, Mr. Takao Kato, age 63, who is currently President & CEO, will assume the role of Representative Executive Officer & CEO from April 1. He is also set to take office as Chairman & CEO following approval at a Board of Directors meeting after the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in June.
This leadership realignment is designed to balance strategic oversight with operational execution, enabling faster decision-making across core business areas.
Strategic priorities under the new leadership
With the Mitsubishi Motors new president stepping into the COO role, the company is expected to deepen cooperation with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The management team will also focus on addressing external pressures, including responses to U.S. tariffs.
Key focus areas under the revised structure include:
- Strengthening alliance-based product and technology collaboration
- Improving resilience against trade and regulatory challenges
- Enhancing profitability through disciplined business operations
Experience behind the appointment
Mr. Kishiura joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1993 and has held several senior roles, including General Manager of the Corporate Planning Office, positions within the Corporate Strategy Division, and Division General Manager of the America Division. His background reflects deep experience in global strategy and regional operations.
Mr. Kato became CEO in 2019 and assumed the role of President & CEO in 2021. During his tenure, he shifted the company away from an expansion-driven approach toward selection and concentration of business operations. Structural reforms implemented under his leadership included the closure of Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Sakahogi-cho, Gifu Prefecture, contributing to improved earnings performance.
With this transition, Mitsubishi Motors positions itself for tighter operational control and stronger alliance-led growth as it navigates the next phase of its transformation.
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