Asahi Rubber APPOINTS NEW DIRECTORS FOR UPCOMING SHAREHOLDER MEETING

TOKYO, May 14 (Pulse News Wire) – ASAHI RUBBER INC. (5162.T) announced today that its board of directors has decided on candidates for the upcoming 56th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for June 26, 2026.

Among the appointments, Daiichi Masayuki and Akira Yoshikazu will continue their roles as executive directors, while Kiyoshi Matoba will join as a new director responsible for sales operations. Kiyoshi Matoba, born on November 15, 1969, joined the company in 2003 and has held various leadership positions within the sales department, including Sales Division Manager since April 2024 and Executive Director of Sales Operations since June 2024. He brings extensive experience in sales management and product development. Additionally, the company confirmed the reappointment of existing directors such as Takashi Yasuhide and Kazuyuki Fujiwara, along with external directors Toshiki Matsuzaki and Nobuyuki Horie.

Notably, Atsuko Ochiai, born on November 9, 1974, will be appointed as a new independent outside director. She has a strong background in finance, having worked at Goldman Sachs and NRI, and currently serves as an advisor to ASAHI RUBBER. Atsuko Ochiai's selection is based on her rich expertise in financial institutions and significant contributions to areas such as ESG, CSR, and promoting women’s advancement, which align with the company’s mid-term business plan goals. Her appointment also meets the criteria set by the Tokyo Stock Exchange for independent directors.

The final decisions will be made during the shareholder meeting and subsequent board meeting on June 26, 2026.