PIALA Inc. Appoints Akie Shimada as Outside Director to Strengthen Management Foundation with Branding and Marketing Expertise
PIALA Inc. announced the appointment of Akie Shimada as a new outside director following approval at its 22nd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on March 26, 2026. As the company's first female outside director, Shimada brings extensive experience in branding and marketing to enhance the company's strategic decision-making and management structure.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 05:11
PIALA Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takao Asuka; hereinafter 'the Company'), a marketing partner that designs integrated brand and direct strategies and commits to maximizing results through AI and passion, is pleased to announce that the proposal for the election of five directors was approved at the 22nd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 26, 2026, and Akie Shimada was newly elected as an outside director.
### Background of Appointment as Outside Director
The Company is expanding its business through marketing DX that integrates brand and direct design, evolving from 'technology for selling' into a 'growth infrastructure.'
In this context, the Company considers the sophistication of brand strategies, strengthening decision-making based on customer understanding, and further enhancing the management system as important themes. By welcoming Ms. Shimada, who has extensive practical experience in the branding and marketing fields and possesses high insights from an independent standpoint, we will incorporate diverse perspectives into the Board of Directors and work towards building a stronger management foundation.
Furthermore, Ms. Shimada's appointment marks the election of the Company's first female outside director, and we expect that her presence will add more diverse perspectives to the Board of Directors than ever before.
Going forward, while utilizing Ms. Shimada's expertise, we will promote the sophistication of brand strategies and value creation in each business, and aim for sustainable improvement of corporate value through the strengthening of the growth foundation across the entire company.
### Comment from the New Outside Director
'My name is Akie Shimada, and I have been appointed as an outside director of PIALA Inc.'
'I feel that the Company is currently entering a phase of major transformation and challenge toward PIALA 2035 under its new Vision and Mission. As the speed of change further accelerates, I believe that while flexibly changing what needs to be changed, the essence of facing customers and society, and the core values that must be protected as a company, will become even more important.'
'Based on the extensive practical experience I have cultivated in both quality and quantity, I intend to contribute to the Company's sustainable growth with an objective perspective as a third party. As an outside director, I will contribute to the sophistication of brand strategy and the strengthening of the management system.'
### Profile of the New Outside Director
Name: Akie Shimada
She has a wealth of experience in the branding and marketing fields, with strengths in strategic design based on consumer perspectives and business growth support.
### Future Outlook
The Company will continue to promote marketing DX that combines AI with human sensitivity and commit to corporate growth through the twin pillars of brand and direct marketing. Through Ms. Shimada's participation...
### Background of Appointment as Outside Director
The Company is expanding its business through marketing DX that integrates brand and direct design, evolving from 'technology for selling' into a 'growth infrastructure.'
In this context, the Company considers the sophistication of brand strategies, strengthening decision-making based on customer understanding, and further enhancing the management system as important themes. By welcoming Ms. Shimada, who has extensive practical experience in the branding and marketing fields and possesses high insights from an independent standpoint, we will incorporate diverse perspectives into the Board of Directors and work towards building a stronger management foundation.
Furthermore, Ms. Shimada's appointment marks the election of the Company's first female outside director, and we expect that her presence will add more diverse perspectives to the Board of Directors than ever before.
Going forward, while utilizing Ms. Shimada's expertise, we will promote the sophistication of brand strategies and value creation in each business, and aim for sustainable improvement of corporate value through the strengthening of the growth foundation across the entire company.
### Comment from the New Outside Director
'My name is Akie Shimada, and I have been appointed as an outside director of PIALA Inc.'
'I feel that the Company is currently entering a phase of major transformation and challenge toward PIALA 2035 under its new Vision and Mission. As the speed of change further accelerates, I believe that while flexibly changing what needs to be changed, the essence of facing customers and society, and the core values that must be protected as a company, will become even more important.'
'Based on the extensive practical experience I have cultivated in both quality and quantity, I intend to contribute to the Company's sustainable growth with an objective perspective as a third party. As an outside director, I will contribute to the sophistication of brand strategy and the strengthening of the management system.'
### Profile of the New Outside Director
Name: Akie Shimada
She has a wealth of experience in the branding and marketing fields, with strengths in strategic design based on consumer perspectives and business growth support.
### Future Outlook
The Company will continue to promote marketing DX that combines AI with human sensitivity and commit to corporate growth through the twin pillars of brand and direct marketing. Through Ms. Shimada's participation...