SoldOut Announces Presidential Change: Tomofumi Kitagawa Appointed Representative Director, President, and CEO

SoldOut Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President, CEO & CCO: Tomofumi Kitagawa; hereinafter "SoldOut"), which supports the growth of ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide, including regional areas, in the digital marketing domain, announced that Tomofumi Kitagawa assumed the position of Representative Director, President, and CEO as of April 1st.

Since its establishment in 2009, SoldOut has been providing digital marketing support to SMEs. Currently, in addition to its community-based system with 28 nationwide locations, the company has expanded its scope to include AI and DX businesses. For the past year or so, "Local & AI First" has been at the core of its management, with former representative Aranami and new representative Kitagawa working together to promote reforms. As a result, a strong business foundation for the future has been built, including the launch of the "10 Billion Think Tank" concept (※1) and the development of "LoconomiQ" (※2) to support regional economies. With new business initiatives steadily growing and the development of the next generation of leaders to carry them forward, it was determined to be the best timing to pass on the management baton to achieve further leaps. Moving forward, under the new structure, SoldOut will strive to further advance the "Local & AI First" concept, evolving beyond mere execution support to truly align with business outcomes.

The new representative, Tomofumi Kitagawa, joined SoldOut at its founding in 2009. As the head of sales, he expanded support for SMEs nationwide and contributed to SoldOut's listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers and later on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Subsequently, he served as CRO and President of the Marketing Company, and in 2024, he was appointed Senior Managing Director and COO. Currently, under the "Local & AI First" concept, he leads the group in promoting the growth of regional companies through nationwide branch expansion and digital utilization, thereby contributing to the sustainable revitalization of the Japanese economy.

※1：https://www.sold-out.co.jp/news/topic_20251113

※2：https://www.sold-out.co.jp/news/topic_20251209

Comment from New Representative Director, President Tomofumi Kitagawa

Since its founding, SoldOut has cherished the desire to "empower SMEs" and has continued to provide community-rooted support. Now, that desire has evolved into "Local & AI First," entering a new phase of challenge.

Through the reforms we have pursued with Mr. Aranami, our business foundation has been steadily established. From now on, I believe we are in the stage of building greater value upon that foundation.

We will evolve beyond merely providing marketing support to become an entity that contributes to the growth of regional companies and, by extension, the revitalization of the regions themselves. To achieve this, we will continue to create new value by combining technology and human capabilities.

Under the new structure, we will take on challenges together with each and every employee, aiming to become a company that can contribute to more companies and regions. Please look forward to the future of SoldOut.

Comment from Retiring Representative Director Osamu Aranami

For the past year or so, I have dedicated myself to realizing "Local & AI First" together with Mr. Kitagawa. The tangible results we achieved amidst difficult challenges were solely due to the support of our clients and each and every employee. I express my heartfelt gratitude.

Businesses such as the "10 Billion Think Tank" and "LoconomiQ" are budding, and the younger generation who will lead the next era is steadily growing. Feeling their enthusiasm firsthand, I am convinced that now is the best time to pass on the baton.

I am confident that the new structure will further deepen the foundation we have built and open up unknown possibilities through the fusion of AI and local initiatives. I kindly ask for your continued support.

SoldOut Co., Ltd. Overview

The SoldOut Group supports the growth of ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide, including regional areas, in the fields of digital marketing, software, media production and operation, and DX. With 28 locations nationwide, we adopt a community-based approach that emphasizes face-to-face support, understanding the challenges and unique characteristics of regional SMEs, and providing solutions tailored to each. From business startups to accelerating existing businesses, we leverage technology and offer proposals aligned with the customer's growth stage, drawing out the latent potential of SMEs across Japan and challenging together with a supportive stance.

Head Office: Koraku Mori Building 19F, 1-4-14 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004

Representative: Tomofumi Kitagawa

Established: December 16, 2009

Corporate Website: https://www.sold-out.co.jp/