Piala Inc. Appoints Akie Shimada as Outside Director to Strengthen Management Foundation with Branding and Marketing Expertise

Piala Inc. (headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takao Asuka; hereinafter "the Company"), a marketing partner committed to maximizing results through AI and passion by designing brand and direct marketing as a unified continuum, announces that at its 22nd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 26, 2026, a resolution to appoint five directors was approved, and Ms. Akie Shimada was newly appointed as an outside director.

■Background of the Outside Director Appointment

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

In this context, advancing brand strategy, strengthening decision-making based on customer understanding, and further developing our management structure are key priorities. By welcoming Ms. Shimada, who brings extensive practical experience in branding and marketing and possesses high insight from an independent standpoint, we aim to incorporate diverse perspectives into the Board of Directors and build a stronger management foundation.

Ms. Shimada's appointment marks the Company's first female outside director, and we look forward to adding even greater diversity of perspective to the Board.

Going forward, we will leverage Ms. Shimada's expertise to advance brand strategy and value creation across each business, while strengthening the company-wide growth foundation to achieve sustained enhancement of corporate value.

■Comment from the Newly Appointed Outside Director

I am Akie Shimada, newly appointed as an outside director of Piala Inc.

I feel the Company is now entering a phase of major transformation and challenge toward PIALA2035 under its new Vision and Mission. As the pace of change accelerates further, I believe it becomes increasingly important to remain flexible about what should change, while holding firm to the essence of how we face customers and society, and the core values the company must uphold.

Drawing on the extensive practical experience I have accumulated—both in depth and breadth—I hope to contribute to the Company's sustained growth by offering an objective, third-party perspective. As an outside director, I will work to advance brand strategy and strengthen the management structure.

■Profile of the Newly Appointed Outside Director

Name: Akie Shimada

Possesses an extensive track record in branding and marketing, with strengths in consumer-insight-driven strategy design and business growth support.

■Looking Ahead

The Company will continue to drive marketing DX that combines AI with human sensibility, committing to corporate growth through both brand and direct marketing. Through Ms. Shimada's participation...