January 6, 2025

New Year’s Message from President and CEO (January 2025)

Ichiro Okamoto
President and CEO
Nippon Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd.

　Happy New Year. GO ANZEN NI*¹ and GO KENKO NI*².
　I begin every year with the message about safety and health. This is because it is my firm belief that ensuring the safety and health of each and every one of you will lead to happiness for you and your family, which will ultimately serve as a source of vitality for the entire group. Sometimes sternly, sometimes gently, we should make each other clearly aware of our problems without trying to hide them, in order for us to correct them and move forward. Sincere guidance will always strike home. Your age or year in the company does not matter when it comes to this important task. Safety and health take priority over everything else. Let us all keep this in mind again this year throughout our daily lives.

　Last year reminded us of the overwhelming power of nature. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and torrential rain disasters, and my sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of the disaster-stricken areas.

　In my New Year’s greeting last year, I declared that 2024 would be a year in which we would decisively pursue reforms, and this year I would like us to further accelerate that pursuit. A number of much needed improvements identified from recent quality problems, the spirit of group unity cultivated throughout this period, and the enterprising spirit backed by years of experience built up since the founding of the company, as well as the resolute commitment to persevere in the face of any challenge will all be incorporated to propel the Group into a new growth trajectory. This is the core essence of what our reforms mean.
We are marking a major milestone by transforming the existing structure, under which more than 80 business entities have worked hard to survive in their own small areas, into eight business groups and eight functional organizational branches, and, by expanding the executive authority of management and clarifying its responsibilities. In addition, Toyo Aluminium, as a member of the Group and a wholly owned subsidiary, will continue its activities to enhance the business value of the Aluminum Foil Business Group as a result of the decision to cancel the integration of Toyo Aluminium and UACJ Foil announced on October 31, 2024.
Last May, we announced the framework for the reform, and in July we launched into reformative action. We have only just begun, and with the enthusiasm of everyone in the Group, let us move forward, breaking through any barriers that stand in our way. I am certain that we can do it.

　But remember that reform is not a one-person job. Nor can it be done by just a few passionate individuals. We all share in the struggles, rejoice together and aim high together, holding high the passionate fire that burns within us. Even if what one can do alone is small, let us move forward together, step by step with our colleagues.

　This year is one in which we will solidify what NLM Group will be by resolutely pursuing reforms as we grow toward the future.
There is no future for us in holding on to the “common sense” of the past. Team NLM - Groundbreaking Innovator of Aluminum and Beyond. Let us stand boldly together, unafraid to take on new challenges.

　Thank you.
GO ANZEN NI and GO KENKO NI.

*¹ GO ANZEN NI: A greeting that means “To your safety!”
*² GO KENKO NI: A greeting that expresses a wish for mutual health.

For PDF printing

New Year’s Message from President and CEO (January 2025) (PDF)

Contact: Public Relations and Investor Relations, Planning Administration Dept.
 Nippon Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd.