**UNIQLO Appoints First COO to Support Founder and CEO**
**Fast Retailing’s Uniqlo brand has appointed its first-ever chief operating officer (COO) in an effort to support founder and CEO Tadashi Yanai as he anticipates succession planning and focuses on the brand’s global expansion.**
**COO Takeshi Okazaki, currently the global head of marketing, will take up the role on September 1, 2023.** He joined the company in 1991 and has held various leadership positions, including leading the brand’s e-commerce business and overseeing its marketing and public relations efforts.
**CEO Tadashi Yanai, who founded Uniqlo in 1984, will continue to lead the company as chairman and CEO.** However, as he approaches his 80th birthday in 2024, he has been considering succession planning and empowering his management team to take on more responsibilities.
**The appointment of a COO is a significant step in this direction.** Okazaki will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Uniqlo, including product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics. He will also work closely with Yanai on strategic planning and global expansion.
**UNIQLO’s global expansion has been a key driver of its growth in recent years.** The brand currently has over 2,300 stores in 26 countries and regions, and it plans to continue opening new stores in key markets around the world.
**The appointment of Okazaki as COO is a sign that UNIQLO is committed to its global expansion and that Yanai is confident in his ability to lead the brand into the future.**
**Here are some additional details about Okazaki’s appointment:**
* Okazaki has been with UNIQLO for over 30 years and has a deep understanding of the company’s culture and values..
* He is a strong leader with a proven track record of success in various leadership roles..
* He is passionate about UNIQLO’s mission to make great clothing accessible to everyone..
* He is confident that UNIQLO can continue to grow and succeed under his leadership.
**The appointment of Okazaki as COO is a positive step for UNIQLO.** It shows that the company is committed to its future and that it has the right leadership in place to lead it into the future..
