EDUCOM Transitions to a Dual CEO Leadership for Future Growth

EDUCOM's Leadership Transition for Enhanced Growth

In a significant organizational shift, EDUCOM, a leading provider of school support systems in Japan, is set to adopt a new leadership approach effective April 1, 2026. This transition will see current CEO and COO, Taihei Kobayashi, take on the role of Chairman, while Hirotaka Koyanagi will step into the position of President. This dual leadership model aims to accelerate the company's business growth and strengthen its organizational foundation as they respond to the rapidly increasing demand for educational digital transformation (DX).

Background and Objectives of the Transition

Since its inception over 30 years ago, EDUCOM has been at the forefront of supporting schools in utilizing information and communications technology (ICT). With the urgency for educational DX pressing in today's environment, the introduction of a dual CEO structure is designed to optimize management resources and make decision-making processes more agile.

This shift comes alongside a corporate realignment, as EDUCOM's parent company, Classi, will merge with Benesse Corporation, making Benesse the parent company of EDUCOM from April 1, 2026. As part of the Benesse Group, EDUCOM is poised to leverage its unique strengths and continue its growth trajectory in education-related services.

As the educational landscape undergoes significant changes, EDUCOM aims to reinforce its position as a partner in education DX, focusing on the needs of educators and students!

New Leadership Structure

Taihei Kobayashi, as Chairman, will utilize his extensive management experience to uphold EDUCOM's philosophy and corporate culture while steering the company’s medium to long-term strategies. Meanwhile, Hirotaka Koyanagi is set to drive the company's expansion and innovation, drawing on his background from Benesse to enhance EDUCOM's service offerings.

Messages from the New Leaders

Taihei Kobayashi, Chairman:

“With the introduction of Hirotaka as our new leader, EDUCOM is entering a new phase of growth. His insights into organization management will combine with our mission of delivering excitement for children’s futures to evolve our organization into a stronger entity.”

Hirotaka Koyanagi, President:

“It is a great honor to be appointed as the President of EDUCOM, an organization that supports the future of education. My mission is to maximize the strengths of our team while implementing efficient management practices that utilize technology. This way, teachers can spend more time engaging with their students, and our employees can work creatively, consistently delivering genuinely valuable services to the educational community.”

Profile of Hirotaka Koyanagi

Hirotaka Koyanagi joined Benesse Corporation and worked in the junior and senior high school business division, managing sales for compulsory education. In 2010, he took on the role of Head of Sales, overseeing all related operations. He was appointed as the Head of the Junior and Senior High School Business Division in 2021, where he spearheaded initiatives aimed at supporting compulsory education. Koyanagi became a director of EDUCOM in April 2023 and will assume the presidency in April 2026.

About EDUCOM

EDUCOM, established in April 1989, began with educational computer initiatives and later formed as a limited liability company in 1990. The company offers integrated school support systems, including tools aimed at enhancing school administration for teachers, as well as facilities for parental communication and children’s learning development. EDUCOM's systems are implemented in approximately 12,000 elementary and junior high schools across around 680 municipalities in Japan.

In January 2019, EDUCOM joined the Benesse Group, aligning its efforts with the Ministry of Education’s initiatives to reform work styles among educators and to advance educational activities. Currently, EDUCOM is developing a next-generation school support system, 'C4th US,' targeting implementation by the 2026 fiscal year, further enhancing its commitment to educational DX.