Nakayama's appointment is the culmination of a career spanning more than three decades within the NTT ecosystem. He joined NTT in 1989 and has held senior roles across NTT Docomo, NTT East, and NTT Communications before being named CFO of NTT Data Group in 2023. That financial leadership role gave him direct visibility into the company's global strategic direction — a foundation he now brings to the CEO seat.

The board of directors approved the succession following a structured planning process. Outgoing CEO Yutaka Sasaki described it as a thoughtful and carefully planned transition, expressing confidence that Nakayama will guide the business through a new phase of growth under a refreshed management structure.

Nakayama's growth agenda centres on two strategic pillars alongside core business operations: AI-empowered new value and productivity, and next-generation infrastructure. Together, these priorities signal NTT Data's intention to move beyond IT services delivery toward shaping how AI is embedded across industries globally.

The company is targeting two distinct AI application areas: operational AI — enhancing business processes and enterprise productivity — and physical AI, designed for real-world environments such as worksites and facilities. This dual-track approach positions NTT Data to address both the digital and physical dimensions of AI adoption across its global client base.

Yutaka Sasaki, who steered NTT Data Group into the ranks of the top five IT services businesses globally, leaves the CEO role with the company well-positioned for its next chapter. He will continue contributing to the wider NTT ecosystem as Senior Executive Vice President of NTT, and he has voiced clear confidence in the direction Nakayama will set.

Sasaki's framing of NTT Data Group as core to the NTT Group structure underscores the strategic weight the subsidiary carries within the broader organisation. His vision for quality growth together as One NTT Data reflects a philosophy of cohesion across the group's many business units and geographies — a theme Nakayama is expected to carry forward.

Key Takeaways

• →Kazuhiko Nakayama has been confirmed as President and CEO of NTT Data Group with immediate effect, succeeding Yutaka Sasaki following a structured board-approved succession process.
• →Nakayama brings over 35 years of NTT Group experience, including senior roles at NTT Docomo, NTT East, NTT Communications, and most recently as CFO of NTT Data Group since 2023.
• →The new CEO's growth strategy centres on two pillars: AI-empowered productivity and value creation, and next-generation infrastructure — targeting both operational and physical AI applications.
• →NTT Data Group is valued at US$60bn, serves more than 70% of Fortune Global 100 companies, and operates across 70+ countries and regions — ranking among the top five IT services firms globally.
• →Outgoing CEO Yutaka Sasaki transitions to Senior Executive Vice President of NTT from 18 June, maintaining his role in the broader NTT Group structure as the company pursues its "One NTT Data" cohesion vision.
• →NTT Data has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible innovation, aiming to accelerate client outcomes while delivering positive impacts for businesses and society — a mandate Nakayama is expected to champion.