Hiroshi Tanahashi has received a new title outside of the ring.
NJPW announced that, after a meeting of their board of directors and shareholders, Hiroshi Tanahashi has been appointed the new President and Representative Director, and Hitoshi Matsumoto has been appointed the Director, among other changes. Takami Ohbari and Michiaki Nishizawa will step down from their positions as President/Representative Director and Director, respectively.
From NJPW:
After a meeting of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s board of directors and shareholders today, December 23 2023, the following personnel change has been made in Company management.
Reason for personnel change
Alterations to management structure
Newly appointed officials
President & Representative Director: Hiroshi Tanahashi
Director: Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production, TV Asahi)
Director: Taro Okada (President & CEO, Bushiroad Fight) *Mr. Okada’s position is on a part time basis
Effective December 23, Takami Ohbari and Michiaki Nishizawa will step down from their positions as President/Representative Director and Director respectively.
Newly appointed President/Representative Director profile
Hiroshi Tanahashi was born November 13 1976 in Ogaki City, Gifu. After graduating in law at Ristumeikan University, Tanahashi joined NJPW in 1999 and debuted that October. He won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first of a record eight times in 2006, achievements along with four time pro-wrestling MVP status that have led him to be called the ‘Ace’ of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Press conference
There will be a press conference on December 26 at 1PM JST concerning the changes made above.
Message to fans
Thank you for your ongoing support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. On January 4 at Belc Presents Wrestle Kingdom 18 in the Tokyo Dome, Hiroshi Tanahashi will address the fans directly in his new role as President. NJPW looks forward to your continued support under the new leadership structure.
Tanahashi has been with NJPW since 1999, and he is an eight-time IWGP World Champion. He is one-third of the NEVER Six-Man Tag Team Champions with Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii.
Tanahashi commented on the news on social media, saying that he will do his best to help fans enjoy NJPW even more.
新日本プロレスリング株式会社、代表取締役社長に就任しました。新日本プロレスをもっともっと楽しんでいただけるように全力で頑張っていきます。疲れないので、皆さん、ご安心を--#njpw https://t.co/vsTTfiXnte pic.twitter.com/QjwZ7JDnKR
— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) December 23, 2023
Fightful will provide more information as it becomes available.
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