SoftBank Group Corp

TSE:9984

Masayoshi Son is a prominent Japanese entrepreneur and the founder, chairman, and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp, one of the world's largest and most influential technology investment firms. Son was born on August 11, 1957, in Tosu, Saga Prefecture, Japan, to Korean immigrant parents. His journey into the business world began early, marked by a deep interest in technology and entrepreneurship. After completing high school in Japan, Son moved to the United States to pursue his higher education. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied economics and computer science. While at Berkeley, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by inventing an electronic translator, which he later sold for $1 million. In 1981, Son founded SoftBank, initially focusing on software distribution. Under his leadership, SoftBank expanded rapidly, transitioning from a software distributor to a diversified conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including telecommunications, broadband, e-commerce, and internet investments. SoftBank's aggressive investment strategy, particularly in technology and internet companies, has significantly shaped the tech landscape. Son is also known for his Vision Fund, launched in 2017 with a staggering $100 billion, making it the largest technology investment fund in history. The Vision Fund has invested in numerous startups and tech companies globally, including notable names such as Uber, WeWork, and Alibaba. Son's vision for investing is often characterized by his long-term commitment to companies and his belief in the transformative power of technology. Despite some high-profile setbacks, including the troubled investment in WeWork, Son remains an influential figure in the global business community. His bold investment strategies and risk-taking approach continue to make headlines, reflecting his pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Yoshimitsu Goto is a notable executive at SoftBank Group Corp, where he has played significant roles within the organization. His career at SoftBank has been marked by a series of key responsibilities and leadership positions, particularly in financial management and strategic planning. Goto joined SoftBank in 2012, bringing with him a wealth of experience in finance and operations. Over the years, he has held several important positions within the company, helping to oversee and manage SoftBank's complex financial activities. He served as the Group's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), during which time he was influential in the management of the company's vast investment portfolio and its financial strategy. Goto's tenure as CFO was characterized by a focus on strengthening SoftBank's financial foundation, streamlining operations, and enhancing shareholder value. He has been actively involved in the company's key investment decisions and has contributed to the strategic direction of the organization. Beyond his role as CFO, Goto has also been a part of the company's executive decision-making team, participating in crafting policies and strategies that guide the SoftBank Group. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and his strategic insight have been vital to SoftBank, especially given its diverse investments and international ventures. Yoshimitsu Goto holds a degree from Kyoto University and has extensive experience in banking and finance, which has been instrumental in his role at one of Japan's most prominent technology and investment firms. His contributions continue to impact SoftBank's operations and strategic course.

René Haas is a prominent executive known for his work in the semiconductor industry. He currently serves as the CEO of Arm Ltd., a position he has held since February 2022. Arm Ltd. is a semiconductor and software design company owned by the SoftBank Group Corp. Haas has played a significant role in leading the company through various stages of growth and innovation. Before becoming CEO, Haas held the position of President of Arm’s Intellectual Property Group (IPG) starting in 2017. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the company’s product development and strategic business direction, ensuring Arm's continued influence in the mobile and computing spaces. Before joining Arm, René Haas worked at Nvidia, a leading graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturer, where he served in several executive roles focusing on customer development and sales strategy. His experience at Nvidia helped him build a strong foundation in the semiconductor sector, making him well-positioned to lead Arm in a rapidly evolving industry. René Haas holds an MBA from Stanford University, which has contributed to his strategic business acumen and leadership skills. Under his leadership, Arm aims to expand its presence beyond mobile devices and into new markets such as automotive, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), helping drive the next wave of technology advancements.

Ms. Kazuko Kimiwada

Senior VP, Head of Accounting Unit & Corporate Officer

Kazuko Kimiwada is the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) at SoftBank Group Corp., a key role in which she is responsible for overseeing the company's accounting and financial reporting functions. Her duties include ensuring the accuracy and compliance of financial statements, as well as establishing and maintaining effective internal controls over financial operations. Kimiwada has extensive experience in finance and accounting, bringing valuable expertise to her position at SoftBank. Before joining SoftBank, she held various positions that have built her reputation as a skilled financial professional. Her leadership and strategic oversight contribute significantly to the financial integrity and transparency of SoftBank Group Corp., an important aspect given the company's extensive global investments and operations in technology and innovation sectors.

Keiichi Makizono is a notable executive at SoftBank Group Corp, where he has made significant contributions, especially in the realm of information technology and digital strategy. As of his recent roles, Makizono has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at SoftBank Group. In this capacity, he has been responsible for overseeing and advancing the company's IT and digital infrastructure, ensuring that SoftBank's technological frameworks support its diverse range of business operations effectively. Makizono's leadership in IT and technology strategies has been instrumental in fostering innovation and efficiency within SoftBank. Under his guidance, the company has worked on enhancing its digital capabilities and leveraging data-driven insights to propel various business initiatives. His expertise in IT management and strategic planning has positioned him as a key figure in SoftBank's ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Before joining SoftBank, Makizono gained extensive experience in the field, which he has brought to his role, helping to align the company's technological initiatives with its broader business goals. His vision and execution in the IT domain have been a driving force behind many of SoftBank's successful projects and transformations in the digital space.

Yotaro Agari is an executive at SoftBank Group Corp, where he plays a significant role in the company’s business strategy and operations. As of now, he is serving as a Senior Vice President and Head of the CEO Office. In this capacity, Agari is responsible for assisting with the strategic planning and execution of SoftBank’s initiatives, working closely with CEO Masayoshi Son. His duties encompass overseeing corporate governance, engaging in investor relations, and working on key strategic projects. With a strong background in finance and business operations, Agari contributes to facilitating SoftBank's diverse investments and technological ventures worldwide, cementing its position as a leading global player in telecommunications and technology investments.

Tim Mackey is a distinguished professional associated with SoftBank Group Corp, serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mackey plays a pivotal role in managing and overseeing a wide range of operational aspects within the company. He brings extensive expertise in strategic management and operational excellence, contributing significantly to the company’s global endeavors. His background includes a deep understanding of technology, investment strategies, and corporate development, aligning with SoftBank's innovative and expansive vision. Mackey's leadership skills and thorough knowledge of business operations have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success in a highly competitive tech and investment landscape. Under his guidance, SoftBank continues to explore new investment opportunities and expand its influence across various sectors worldwide.

Takeaki Nukii is an executive at SoftBank Group Corp., where he holds the position of Vice President and Deputy Head of the Finance Unit. In his role, Nukii plays a significant part in overseeing and managing the financial strategies and operations of the company. He has been with SoftBank for a considerable period, contributing to various financial and strategic initiatives. His expertise in finance and business management has been instrumental in supporting the company's growth and investment strategies both domestically and internationally.

Faisal Rahman is a prominent figure within the SoftBank Group Corp, where he serves as the Vice President of Corporate Development. In this role, Rahman is involved in strategic planning and investment strategies that align with SoftBank's long-term visions and goals. His focus includes identifying new opportunities for growth, nurturing partnerships, and overseeing mergers and acquisitions that further SoftBank's interests globally. Prior to joining SoftBank, Faisal Rahman built a significant career in the fields of investment banking and corporate strategy, contributing to his expertise in financial analysis and strategic investments. His professional journey includes key roles at major financial institutions, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of both technology-driven and traditional sectors—an attribute that adds great value to his current position at SoftBank. Rahman is recognized for his analytical approach and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, which has made him a valuable asset to SoftBank's corporate development team. He is actively involved in fostering innovation and supporting SoftBank's mission of evolving technology and communications industries. His educational background typically includes qualifications in finance or business management, which underpin his strategic acumen and leadership skills in the corporate development space. As a part of SoftBank, Rahman continues to contribute to global expansion and the company's innovative investment approaches.

Robert S. Townsend is a notable executive with extensive legal and advisory experience, particularly recognized for his role at SoftBank Group Corp. As Chief Legal Officer, he is responsible for overseeing the company's legal matters on a global scale. Townsend's expertise is instrumental in navigating the complex international business and regulatory environments that SoftBank operates in, ensuring compliance and providing strategic legal guidance. Before joining SoftBank, Townsend was a partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, where he led the firm's global M&A practice. His practice focused on large-scale mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and corporate governance. Townsend's legal acumen and leadership have established him as a pivotal figure in facilitating major transactions and advising on corporate strategy. His career is marked by a deep commitment to excellence and integrity in legal practice, making significant contributions to both his firm's growth and the success of major corporate clients on a global front. His role at SoftBank places him at the helm of legal operations, where his decisions critically impact the corporation's strategic initiatives and compliance standards.