Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Announces Organizational Restructuring and Executive Officer Changes

Overview of Organizational Restructuring and Executive Officer Changes

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. will abolish the Corporate Headquarters effective April 1, 2026, transitioning to a system where executive officers in charge clarify roles and manage each business unit. Additionally, Mr. Hiroshi Shimobo (currently President of Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.) will be newly appointed as Representative Executive Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), and Mr. Ichiro Sakakura (currently Executive Officer Senior Managing Director of ASEAN Headquarters) will assume the role of Representative Executive Officer Senior Managing Director, Head of the Food Business Headquarters. Mr. Hiroshi Shirakami, Representative Executive Vice President Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), will retire.

Biographies and Shareholdings of the New Representative Executive Officers

Mr. Hiroshi Shimobo was born on October 15, 1965, and joined Ajinomoto Co., Inc. in April 1988. He has held positions including President of Amoy Food Company, Head of Corporate Strategy Group in the Corporate Planning Department, Head of Strategy for the Europe and Africa Headquarters, General Manager of Domestic Operations and Head of Marketing Department at Ajinomoto Frozen Foods Co., Ltd., and President of Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. As of December 31, 2025, he holds 4,075 shares. Mr. Ichiro Sakakura was born on August 31, 1963, and joined the company in April 1987. His career includes President of Ajinomoto Philippines, President of Ajinomoto Indonesia, Head of ASEAN Headquarters, President of Ajinomoto Thailand, Executive Officer Managing Director, and Executive Officer Senior Managing Director. As of December 31, 2025, he holds 8,312 shares.