#Japan #Tokyo #S.M.S. Corporation #Toshio Sugaya #CFO Announcement

S.M.S. Corporation Welcomes New CFO

S.M.S. Corporation, headquartered in the Minato Ward of Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Toshio Sugaya as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 1, 2026. This decision is part of the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its management structure and drive further business growth.

A Wealth of Experience

Toshio Sugaya brings over a decade of experience in investment banking, complemented by two years in a prestigious U.S. law firm. Over the past seven years, he has held pivotal roles in technology startups, including CSO, COO, and CFO, where he excelled in strategic planning, sales and marketing, organizational development, and leading IPO processes. Sugaya’s rich background equips him with extensive knowledge and practical experience in engaging with capital markets, capital strategies, and M&A activities.

In his role as CFO, Sugaya will focus on contributing to the sustainable enhancement of corporate value during this critical phase of management transformation. His strategic oversight will encompass efforts to realize the company's roadmap and assist in formulating its mid-term management plans.

Sugaya's Background

Toshio Sugaya graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in Economics in 2001. Shortly thereafter, he joined JP Morgan Securities, where he was involved in M&A and fundraising projects. After obtaining his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 2007, he worked on corporate legal matters at the Los Angeles office of Paul Hastings, LLP. Following a stint at Lazard Freres, he joined Barclays Securities in 2010, leading significant cross-border M&A activities and fundraising initiatives.

In 2019, Sugaya transitioned to SmartDrive, taking on roles as CSO and COO, where he was instrumental in shaping the company's management strategies, overseeing sales organizations, and establishing international business locations, ultimately contributing to the company’s IPO. Most recently, he served as CFO at QunaSys, where he played a key role in preparing for IPOs and managing large fundraising efforts.

Sugaya's Vision

In his own words,