NEWS 349 : A SHIP DESIGNER TAKES THE HELM
At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and subsequent Board of Directors meeting held on June 26, 2026, Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation approved a new management structure. Former President Katsuhiko Ochi was appointed Chairman & CEO, while former Executive Vice President Hiromichi Aiba was appointed President & COO.
This marks Kyokuyo's first presidential transition in 19 years. Mr. Aiba joined the company as a new graduate in 1996 and has spent his entire career in ship design, contributing to the growth and development of Kyokuyo throughout his career.
We are pleased to share a message from our new President & COO.
Message from President Hiromichi Aiba
I am honored to assume the role of President of Kyokuyo Shipyard.
Since its founding, Kyokuyo has approached the construction of every vessel with sincerity and dedication, striving to meet the expectations of shipowners while contributing to global maritime transportation. Even amid the volatility of the shipping and shipbuilding industries, Kyokuyo has continued to move forward thanks to the support of our customers, business partners, and the local community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who have supported our company over the years.
Today, the global shipping and shipbuilding industries stand at a historic turning point. Decarbonization, digital transformation, and other technological innovations are reshaping our industry at an unprecedented pace.
To navigate this period of change, Kyokuyo has adopted a new management structure. As Chairman & CEO, Mr. Ochi will be responsible for setting the company's strategic direction and long-term vision. As President & COO, I will be responsible for business execution and day-to-day operations, drawing upon the technical experience I have gained throughout my career. Together, we are committed to ensuring swift and consistent decision-making, even in an era of rapid technological change.
Since joining Kyokuyo in 1996, I have spent my entire career in ship design. The ability to envision new possibilities, combined with an uncompromising commitment to performance and quality, has shaped my professional philosophy. Building on the technological strengths that Kyokuyo has cultivated over many years, I am determined to help elevate our capabilities to an even higher level.
At the same time, we will continue to value the trust we have built with our customers while pursuing the development of environmentally responsible next-generation vessels. Guided by the perspective I have gained as a designer, I am committed to taking on new challenges and responding to our customers' needs to the fullest extent possible.
I will devote myself wholeheartedly to the continued growth and development of Kyokuyo Shipyard, and I sincerely ask for your continued support under our new management structure.
June, 2026
Hiromichi Aiba
President & COO
Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation
Profile: Hiromichi Aiba
1996 – Graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Hiroshima University
1996 – Joined Kyokuyo Shipyard, Fundamental Design Department
2012 – Manager, Fundamental Design Department
2019 – General Manager, Hull Design Division
2021 – Executive Officer and General Manager, Hull Design Division
2022 – Senior Executive Officer, Head of Design Division
2023 – Senior Managing Director
2025 – Executive Vice President
2026 – Appointed President & COO
[2026/06/26]
