Koei Tecmo Welcomes New Leadership as Founders Yoichi and Keiko Erikawa Transition to Advisory Roles

The creators of Dynasty Warriors and Ninja Gaiden, Koei Tecmo, havedesignated Hisashi Koinuma as its new CEO.

Koinuma will commence his role as managing director, president, and CEO on April 1, 2025. He previously held the positions of managing director and COO at Koei Tecmo Games.

He takes over from current president and CEO, Yoichi Erikawa, who will continue with the company as managing director and chairman of Koei Tecmo Holdings.

This marks a significant transition for the Japanese company. Yoichi Erikawa co-founded Koei Tecmo with his partner Keiko Erikawa in 1978. At that time, the company was simply known as ‘Koei’ and focused primarily on personal computer sales. It later transitioned into gaming and ultimately adopted its current name after merging with Tecmo in 2008.

Keiko Erikawa will also be changing responsibilities and plans to step down from her role as managing director and chairman to become director and chairman emeritus.

Both co-founders will also step back from their leadership roles within Koei Tecmo Games. Hisashi Koinuma will consequently oversee the division as managing director, president, CEO, and COO.

Additional changes at Koei Tecmo

As this leadership transition approaches, Koei Tecmo will initiate a restructuring process aimed at establishing Koei Tecmo Corporate Finance as a new subsidiary. The investment operations of Koei Tecmo Games will be integrated into this new department.

The company stated that this move will “enhance governance related to investment activities and achieve optimal cash management.” Koei Tecmo Games will continue to operate normally following the reorganization.

Looking ahead, Koei Tecmo expressed its ambition to become the “world’s leading digital entertainment company” under its new leadership by embracing the ethos of “creativity and contribution.”

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