PIALA Inc. Appoints Akie Shimada as Outside Director, Strengthening Management Foundation with Expertise in Branding and Marketing

PIALA Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takao Asuka; hereinafter "the Company"), a marketing partner committed to maximizing results with AI and passion by designing brand and direct marketing in an integrated manner, announces that at the 22nd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 26, 2026, the proposal to elect five directors was approved, and Ms. Akie Shimada was newly appointed as an outside director.

■ Background of the Outside Director's Appointment

The Company is expanding its business through marketing DX that designs brand and direct as a single entity, evolving from "technology for selling" to a "growth infrastructure."

Within this context, the Company considers the sophistication of its brand strategy, the strengthening of decision-making based on customer understanding, and the further enhancement of its management structure as important themes. By welcoming Ms. Shimada, who has extensive practical experience in the branding and marketing fields and high insight from an independent standpoint, we will incorporate diverse perspectives into the Board of Directors, leading to the creation of a stronger management foundation.

Furthermore, Ms. Shimada's appointment marks the selection of the Company's first female outside director, and we expect this will add even more diverse perspectives to the Board of Directors.

Going forward, while leveraging Ms. Shimada's expertise, we will promote the advancement of brand strategy and value creation in each business, and aim for a sustainable increase in corporate value by strengthening the growth foundation across the entire company.

■ Comment from the New Outside Director

I am Akie Shimada, and I have been appointed as an outside director of PIALA Inc.

I feel that the company is now entering a major phase of transformation and challenge towards PIALA2035 under a new Vision and Mission. As the speed of change continues to accelerate, I believe that while we must be flexible in changing what needs to be changed, the essence of facing our customers and society, and the core principles that we must uphold as a company, will become even more important.

Based on the abundant practical experience I have cultivated in both quality and quantity, I intend to contribute to the sustainable growth of our company from the objective viewpoint of a third party. As an outside director, I will contribute to the sophistication of our brand strategy and the strengthening of our management structure.

■ Profile of the New Outside Director

Name: Akie Shimada

Possesses a wealth of experience in the branding and marketing fields, with a strength in strategic design based on a consumer perspective and support for business growth.

■ The Future

The Company will continue to promote marketing DX that combines AI and human sensibility, and will remain committed to corporate growth through the dual wheels of brand and direct marketing. Through Ms. Shimada's participation...