Koei Tecmo announces new leadership: Hisashi Koinuma takes over as CEO

A Koei Tecmo Holdings is undergoing a major restructuring in its management. As of April 1, 2025, Hisashi Koinuma will be the new president and CEO, replacing Yoichi Erikawa, who will now serve as representative director and chairman.

Currently the executive vice president of Koei Tecmo Holdings, Koinuma has been with the company since 1994 and has previously held the position of director of operations at Koei Tecmo Games, the division responsible for game development.

The transition is part of a new corporate governance strategy, separating business execution from management oversight. Yoichi Erikawa, better known as Kou Shibusawa, co-founder of Koei, will step down as CEO but will continue in a leadership position.

Additionally, Keiko Erikawa, co-founder and current chairman, will take on a new role as director and honorary chairman. She will also be in charge of Koei Tecmo Corporate Finance, a division that will be established on the same day as the executive transition.

With the creation of Koei Tecmo Corporate Finance, the company aims to improve investment management and cash control. This new structure will take over the financial functions of Koei Tecmo Games, ensuring more efficiency in resource planning and corporate governance.

Koei Tecmo has stood out as one of the most stable publishers in the Japanese market, with successful franchises such as Nioh, Dynasty Warriors, Ninja Gaiden, Fatal Frame and its collaboration with Nintendo on Fire Emblem Warriors and Hyrule Warriors.

With Koinuma at the helm, the expectation is for the company to maintain its pace of innovation while expanding its presence in the global market. Will this change bring new strategies for its main franchises?