TIER IV Introduces External Directors in New Management Structure for Enhanced Leadership
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TIER IV Introduces External Directors in New Management Structure for Enhanced Leadership

TIER IV Strengthens Governance with New Management Structure for Global Growth

TOKYO, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, the trailblazer behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, has introduced a revamped management structure to bolster governance in anticipation of business expansion and international development. This transition includes the addition of two external directors with extensive global business experience to the board.

Effective April 1, the new structure aims to enhance governance by refining decision-making processes, clarifying responsibilities between governance and business execution, and ensuring effective oversight.

Overview of the Management Structure

Board of Directors

  • The board defines key management policies and supervises business execution.
  • Two external directors have joined the board.

    Audit and Supervisory Board

  • A new audit and supervisory board has been established to improve corporate governance.
  • The role of auditors is reinforced to ensure effective oversight.

    Executive Officers

  • Executive officers are appointed based on their business expertise and leadership abilities, each responsible for a specific unit.
  • They are delegated authority from the representative director to drive business execution.
  • They are assigned a CXO role according to their area of responsibility.

    Profiles of New External Directors

    Tatsuo Kawasaki

  • Chairman and founding partner of Unison Capital.
  • Managed investment portfolios across various industries.
  • Professional experience at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey.
  • Holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Keio University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

    Hiroaki Kitano

  • Chief technology fellow of Sony Group.
  • Representative director and president of Sony Computer Science Laboratories (CSL).
  • Named a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.
  • Extensive experience in software engineering research.

    New Management Structure

    Board of Directors

  • Shinpei Kato: Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer
  • Satoshi Sakaguchi: Director and Chief Financial Officer
  • Akimichi Degawa: Director and Chairman
  • Tatsuo Kawasaki: External Director
  • Hiroaki Kitano: External Director

    Audit and Supervisory Board

  • Shiro Sakazaki: Full-time external auditor
  • Naoki Sato: External auditor
  • Mizuki Takahara: Auditor

    Executive Officers

  • Shinpei Kato: Chief Executive Officer
  • Satoshi Sakaguchi: Chief Financial Officer
  • Hironori Muraoka: Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Naomitsu Tsugiiwa: Chief Information Officer
  • Ko Miyoshi: Chief Operating Officer
  • Masashi Shinkai: Chief Strategy Officer
  • Yoshihito Takashima: Chief Technology Officer

    About TIER IV

    TIER IV leads the way in deep tech innovation, introducing Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving. Leveraging Autoware, the company develops scalable platforms and offers comprehensive solutions in software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, TIER IV is dedicated to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software.

    Media Contact
    [email protected]

    SOURCE TIER IV, Inc.

    In conclusion, TIER IV’s new management structure reinforces governance and positions the company for global growth. The addition of external directors, the establishment of an audit and supervisory board, and the appointment of executive officers reflect a strategic approach to decision-making and business execution. With a focus on deep tech innovation and open-source software, TIER IV is poised to play a significant role in the evolving field of autonomous driving.