Japanese data center firm NTT Data has appointed Kazuhiko Nakayama as its new CEO.

Nakayama, who will also serve as company president, takes up his new role today. He replaces Yutaka Sasaki, who will transition into the role of senior executive vice president of NTT Data’s parent company, NTT, effective from June 18.

Previously CFO of NTT Data, a position he had held since 2023, Nakayama will bring “proven leadership and a depth of expertise and experience in defining business strategy and delivering growth” to his new role, the company said.

He began his career at NTT in 1989 and has worked across the company’s NTT Docomo, NTT East, and NTT Communications divisions.

Nakayama said: “Over the past three years, I have had the honor of working closely with Mr. Sasaki and the leadership team on a strategic course that has established NTT Data among the top five IT services businesses globally.

“That experience has reinforced my conviction in the strength of our offering, the quality of our people, and the size of the opportunity ahead. As I take on the responsibilities of CEO and lead the growth of the NTT Data Group going forward, I feel a deep sense of dedication, possibility, and excitement.

Outgoing CEO Sasaki, who had been in post since 2023, said the appointment of Nakayama followed a “thoughtful and carefully planned succession process.”

He said: “Under the leadership of Mr Nakayama, NTT Data Group will embark on a new management structure. NTT Data Group stands at the very core of the NTT Group and serves as its growth engine. Under Mr Nakayama’s renewed growth strategy, I look forward to seeing continued strength in performance and a commitment to achieving quality growth together.”

NTT Data currently offers more than 2GW of capacity across some 160 data centers in 20 markets, including the US, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Spain, France, Austria, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and India.