[Chiba Jets] Announcement of Change in Representative Director and President
Chiba Jets Funabashi has announced a leadership transition in preparation for the inauguration of the B.PREMIER league. Hiroki Sato, a symbolic figure and the club's inaugural captain, will be promoted to President, succeeding Seiya Tamura, who led the club through a period of significant business growth.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 21:40
- 🔍 Collected: May 28, 2026 at 12:55
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 28, 2026 at 12:55 (0 min after Collected)
Chiba Jets Funabashi (managed by Chiba Jets Funabashi Co., Ltd.) announced that its Board of Directors resolved on May 14, 2026, to appoint a new Representative Director. The appointment is expected to be formalized following the General Meeting of Shareholders and subsequent Board meeting in June 2026.
Since 2020, Seiya Tamura has steered the club through the challenges of the pandemic. He will now pass the leadership baton to Hiroki Sato, the club's first captain who possesses deep institutional knowledge. This structural change aims to unify the organization and drive further growth as the B.PREMIER league begins.
Personnel Changes:
- Hiroki Sato: New Position: Representative Director and President (Current: Director, Head of Partner Division)
- Seiya Tamura: New Position: Chairman of the Board (Current: Representative Director and President)
Profile of Hiroki Sato:
A native of Yotsukaido, Chiba, Sato began his professional career in 2004 with the Otsuka Shokai Alphas. He joined Chiba Jets in 2011 as the inaugural captain and retired in 2015. His jersey number, 0, became the club's first retired number. Post-retirement, he served as a club ambassador, General Manager, and Director, gaining extensive experience in both sports and business operations.
Inaugural Statement from Hiroki Sato:
Sato expressed deep gratitude to the boosters and partners who have supported the club since its humble beginnings 15 years ago. He emphasized his mission to evolve Chiba Jets into a leading global sports organization while preserving the established "Jets Culture." Looking toward the 2026-27 B.PREMIER season, he pledged to pursue the league's inaugural championship and the Emperor's Cup, focusing on the "JETS SPEED" and "JETS PRIDE" identities at the new LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY.
Outgoing Statement from Seiya Tamura:
Tamura reflected on his six-year tenure, which began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial uncertainties regarding match attendance and the construction of the new arena, the club achieved remarkable growth under his leadership. Key milestones include:
- Financial Growth: Revenue tripled to over 5 billion yen, making it one of the largest in the B.LEAGUE.
- On-court Success: Six major titles, including one B.LEAGUE championship, two Emperor's Cups, and the EASL championship.
- Infrastructure: Successful transition to the new home, LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY, with record-breaking attendance figures.
Tamura will transition to the role of Chairman while also serving as an Executive Officer at MIXI, Inc., focusing on sports viewing businesses. He expressed confidence that the next generation of leadership will continue the vision of making Chiba a "Basketball Kingdom."
Since 2020, Seiya Tamura has steered the club through the challenges of the pandemic. He will now pass the leadership baton to Hiroki Sato, the club's first captain who possesses deep institutional knowledge. This structural change aims to unify the organization and drive further growth as the B.PREMIER league begins.
Personnel Changes:
- Hiroki Sato: New Position: Representative Director and President (Current: Director, Head of Partner Division)
- Seiya Tamura: New Position: Chairman of the Board (Current: Representative Director and President)
Profile of Hiroki Sato:
A native of Yotsukaido, Chiba, Sato began his professional career in 2004 with the Otsuka Shokai Alphas. He joined Chiba Jets in 2011 as the inaugural captain and retired in 2015. His jersey number, 0, became the club's first retired number. Post-retirement, he served as a club ambassador, General Manager, and Director, gaining extensive experience in both sports and business operations.
Inaugural Statement from Hiroki Sato:
Sato expressed deep gratitude to the boosters and partners who have supported the club since its humble beginnings 15 years ago. He emphasized his mission to evolve Chiba Jets into a leading global sports organization while preserving the established "Jets Culture." Looking toward the 2026-27 B.PREMIER season, he pledged to pursue the league's inaugural championship and the Emperor's Cup, focusing on the "JETS SPEED" and "JETS PRIDE" identities at the new LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY.
Outgoing Statement from Seiya Tamura:
Tamura reflected on his six-year tenure, which began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial uncertainties regarding match attendance and the construction of the new arena, the club achieved remarkable growth under his leadership. Key milestones include:
- Financial Growth: Revenue tripled to over 5 billion yen, making it one of the largest in the B.LEAGUE.
- On-court Success: Six major titles, including one B.LEAGUE championship, two Emperor's Cups, and the EASL championship.
- Infrastructure: Successful transition to the new home, LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY, with record-breaking attendance figures.
Tamura will transition to the role of Chairman while also serving as an Executive Officer at MIXI, Inc., focusing on sports viewing businesses. He expressed confidence that the next generation of leadership will continue the vision of making Chiba a "Basketball Kingdom."
FAQ
When will the new President officially take office?
Hiroki Sato is scheduled to assume the position of Representative Director and President in June 2026, following the general meeting of shareholders.
What is the background of the new President, Hiroki Sato?
He is a former professional player and the first captain of Chiba Jets. His jersey number 0 is retired. He has held various management roles within the club, including General Manager and Director.
What significant achievements occurred under Seiya Tamura's leadership?
Under Tamura, the club's revenue tripled to over 5 billion yen, the team won six titles, and the club successfully moved to the new LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY.