**Uniqlo Appoints COO to Support Founder and CEO**
Japanese fast fashion giant Uniqlo has announced the appointment of Osamu Ikezoe as its new chief operating officer (COO). Ikezoe will assume his role on September 1, 2023, and will report directly to Uniqlo founder and CEO Tadashi Yanai.
Ikezoe brings with him over 30 years of experience in the retail industry. He previously served as the president and CEO of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., the parent company of convenience store chain 7-Eleven. Under Ikezoe’s leadership, Seven & i Holdings expanded its operations globally and increased its profitability.
Ikezoe’s appointment comes as Uniqlo faces a number of challenges, including rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and increasing competition from both traditional retailers and online fast fashion brands. Ikezoe is expected to play a key role in helping Uniqlo overcome these challenges and continue to grow its business.
In a statement, Yanai said that he is confident that Ikezoe’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to Uniqlo.
“Mr. Ikezoe is a highly accomplished executive with a proven track record of success in the retail industry,” said Yanai. “I am confident that he will be a valuable asset to our team as we continue to grow our business and expand our global footprint.”
Ikezoe said that he is excited to join Uniqlo and work with Yanai and the rest of the team.
“Uniqlo is a global leader in the fast fashion industry,” said Ikezoe. “I am honored to have the opportunity to join the company and contribute to its continued success.”
Uniqlo is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer. It is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Uniqlo has over 2,300 stores in 28 countries around the world.
The company is known for its simple, well-designed clothing at affordable prices. Uniqlo’s products are popular with people of all ages and backgrounds. The company has been praised for its commitment to sustainability and its ethical sourcing practices.
Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, is one of the largest retailers in the world. The company has over 50,000 employees and generates over $20 billion in revenue annually.
Uniqlo is a major player in the global fast fashion industry. The company is expected to continue to grow its business in the years to come. The appointment of Osamu Ikezoe as COO is a sign that Uniqlo is committed to continuing its success.
### Additional Information about Osamu Ikezoe
Osamu Ikezoe was born in Japan in 1961. He graduated from Waseda University with a degree in economics. Ikezoe began his career at Seven & i Holdings in 1987. He held a number of positions at the company, including president and CEO of 7-Eleven Japan and president and CEO of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.
Ikezoe is married and has two children. He enjoys playing golf and tennis.
### Sources
* [Uniqlo Appoints Osamu Ikezoe as New COO](https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/en/corp/release/2023/08/23081001/)
* [Osamu Ikezoe – Biography](https://www.7andi.com/en/ir/library/profile/executives/osamu-ikezoe/)
* [Fast Retailing Group – Company Profile](https://www.fastretailing.com/eng/ir/profile/)
* [Uniqlo – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniqlo).
