OFI appoints Ms Hiroko as Board Advisor (Japan)

Ms Hiroko brings extensive leadership experience from one of Japan’s most established aquatics enterprises, the Kamihata Fish Industries Group, where she currently serves as President and Representative Director. Prior to assuming this role in October 2025, she held senior executive positions within the Group, including Senior Managing Director and Representative Director (2019–2025) and Director and General Manager (2012–2018). Her career reflects a deep understanding of the ornamental aquatics supply chain, spanning operations, management, and international business development.

In addition to her corporate leadership, Ms Hiroko is actively engaged in public and social initiatives. She currently serves as Vice President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Japan, following her tenure as 68th President of JCI Himeji in 2024. She has been a member of JCI Himeji since 2016, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership development and community engagement.

Ms Hiroko holds a Master of Informatics from Kyoto University and a Bachelor of Marine Science from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, providing a rare combination of technical, scientific, and executive expertise.

OFI views Ms Hiroko’s appointment as a significant step in strengthening engagement with the Japanese ornamental aquatics sector and enhancing regional representation at board advisory level. Her background in marine science, coupled with her executive experience and public leadership roles, will add valuable perspective to OFI’s ongoing work in advancing responsible trade, sustainability, and industry professionalism.

Commenting on the appointment, OFI noted that Ms Hiroko’s contribution is expected to support deeper collaboration with Japanese breeders, exporters, and wholesalers, while reinforcing OFI’s commitment to science-informed policy dialogue and sustainable ornamental aquatics practices.

Formal confirmation of Ms Hiroko’s appointment will take place during the OFI Annual General Meeting in Nuremberg, May 2026.