#Japan #Tokyo #Hiroaki Kitano #TIER IV #Tatsuo Kawasaki

TIER IV Enhances Governance with New Management Structure

TIER IV, the innovative leader behind the world's first open-source software for autonomous driving, has recently announced a strategic overhaul of its management structure. This change is designed to foster transparency, improve decision-making, and prepare the company for potential global expansion. The introduction of two external directors marks a pivotal moment for TIER IV as it aims to refine its governance and elevate its position in the autonomous driving sector.

New Management Structure

Effective April 1, 2025, this new layout includes a redefined board of directors and the establishment of an audit and supervisory board. The adjustments will clarify roles and enhance oversight capabilities, ensuring that the company remains agile in its business execution while maintaining stringent governance protocols.

The revised board of directors now includes:

• - Shinpei Kato, Representative Director and CEO
• - Satoshi Sakaguchi, Director and CFO
• - Akimichi Degawa, Director and Chairman
• - Tatsuo Kawasaki, External Director
• - Hiroaki Kitano, External Director

The audit and supervisory board has been created to further enhance corporate governance, ensuring that effective oversight is prioritized. This board includes:

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

Furthermore, executive officers will be designated based on their expertise, with specific responsibilities assigned according to their areas of leadership. The appointments are aimed at empowering executives to drive business operations effectively, each taking on a Chief Experience Officer (CXO) role corresponding to their specialty.

Introducing External Directors

The appointments of Tatsuo Kawasaki and Hiroaki Kitano as external directors signal the integration of significant industry experience into TIER IV's leadership.

Tatsuo Kawasaki

Tatsuo Kawasaki is a well-respected figure in the investment world, serving as the chairman and founding partner of Unison Capital. His extensive background includes managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors including automotive, electronics, and financial services. His previous roles at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, coupled with his academic credentials from Keio University and Harvard Business School, provide TIER IV with a wealth of knowledge to navigate global markets.

Hiroaki Kitano

Hiroaki Kitano, currently serving as Chief Technology Fellow at Sony Group and President of Sony Computer Science Laboratories, brings an impressive technical pedigree. With over three decades of experience in software engineering and research, Kitano has significantly contributed to the field of artificial intelligence. His expertise is expected to drive TIER IV’s technological direction, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of autonomous driving technology.

About TIER IV

As a trailblazer in the realm of autonomous vehicles, TIER IV is dedicated to reshaping the future of transportation through open-source software solutions. With Autoware, their flagship platform, TIER IV not only seeks to innovate software development for autonomous cars but also aims to influence vehicle manufacturing and service operations within an evolving landscape.

Their commitment to collaboration as a founding member of the Autoware Foundation positions TIER IV as a formidable player in the autonomous driving industry, fostering environments where open-source solutions can thrive and businesses can prosper together.

In conclusion, TIER IV's recent management restructure underscores its ambition for growth and governance refinement. With seasoned experts on board, the company is poised to make significant strides in the autonomous driving domain, enhancing operational effectiveness and governance. As TIER IV continues to expand its influence on the global stage, its innovative spirit remains unwavering, promising a bright future for autonomous driving capabilities.