NTT DATA Group has appointed Kazuhiko Nakayama as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment became effective on June 12, 2026. The company announced the leadership transition after approval from its Board of Directors.
AI Growth Strategy and Global Expansion
Kazuhiko Nakayama previously served as Chief Financial Officer of NTT DATA Group. He will now lead the company’s AI Growth Strategy and global expansion efforts. The company operates in more than 70 countries and regions worldwide.
Meanwhile, Yutaka Sasaki will become Senior Executive Vice President of NTT, Inc. on June 18, 2026. He previously served as President and CEO of NTT DATA Group.
NTT DATA Group plans to strengthen two major business areas alongside its core operations. These areas include AI-empowered productivity and next-generation infrastructure. In addition, the company aims to expand Operational AI and Physical AI solutions across industries.
Nakayama joined NTT in 1989. Since then, he has held leadership roles at NTT DOCOMO, NTT EAST, and NTT Communications. He became CFO of NTT DATA Group in 2023. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Finance and Accounting at NTT.
He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from The University of Tokyo.
Kazuhiko Nakayama, President and CEO, NTT DATA Group commented:
“Over the past three years I have had the honour of working closely with Mr Sasaki and the leadership team on a strategic course that has established NTT DATA among the top five IT services businesses globally. That experience has reinforced my conviction in the strength of our offering, the quality of our people and the size of the opportunity ahead. As I take on the responsibilities of CEO and lead the growth of the NTT DATA Group going forward, I feel a deep sense of dedication, possibility and excitement.”
Yutaka Sasaki, outgoing President and CEO, NTT DATA Group, and Senior Executive Vice President of NTT, Inc. Elect commented:
“The appointment of Mr Nakayama as President and Chief Executive Officer follows a thoughtful and carefully planned succession process. Under the leadership of Mr Nakayama, NTT DATA Group will embark on a new management structure. NTT DATA Group stands at the very core of the NTT Group and serves as its growth engine. Under Mr Nakayama’s renewed growth strategy, I look forward to seeing continued strength in performance and a commitment to achieving quality growth together as One NTT DATA.”
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Source: Businesswire
