Tomoko Namba Set to Return as DeNA President

2026-05-12

Chair and President to Swap Roles

DeNA announced on the 12th that Chairperson Tomoko Namba (64) will return as president on June 27. President Shingo Okamura (56) will become chairman with representative authority. It will be the first time in 15 years that Namba has returned as president, and she will also serve as CEO.

Namba to Lead Organizational Change

The move will be formally decided after the regular shareholders' meeting held the same day. DeNA determined that, to accelerate changes in organizational operations and its business model, founder Namba needs to lead them herself as CEO. Okamura will handle external relations, including government liaison.

Weak Share Price and Growth Strategy

At an online press conference on the 12th, Namba said, "The stock price has been flat for a long time. I also feel frustrated when it comes to whether the market sees us as a growth company." The share price rose to 4,093 yen in February 2025 after the hit smartphone game Pokepoke, but has since been soft and is currently trading below the 3,000-yen level.

Aiming for Renewed Growth Through Generative AI

Namba explained that while productivity has improved through the use of generative AI, the shift of personnel to profit-generating businesses is lagging behind expectations. She added, "We will work to strengthen the structure of our core businesses and create new businesses."

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