**Tadashi Yanai, founder, chairman, president, and CEO of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. has appointed his son, Hiroaki Yanai, as group chief operating officer (COO)** in the newly created role, effective September 1, 2023. The decision was announced on Tuesday, July 25, following a board of directors meeting..
**Hiroaki Yanai’s role will involve supporting Tadashi Yanai’s management responsibilities** across the group’s portfolio of brands, including Uniqlo, GU, Theory, Helmut Lang, J Brand, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, and Mame Kurogouchi..
**Hiroaki Yanai joined Fast Retailing in 2001** and has held various leadership positions within the group. He has served as the CEO of Fast Retailing’s Greater China operations since 2014 and has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success in the region..
**Under Hiroaki Yanai’s leadership, Fast Retailing’s Greater China business has experienced significant expansion**, with the number of Uniqlo stores in the region increasing from around 100 in 2014 to over 800 today. The company has also launched new brands in China, including GU and Theory, and has strengthened its e-commerce presence in the market..
**Tadashi Yanai, founder, chairman, president, and CEO of Fast Retailing, commented on the appointment**: .
