NTT DATA Group Promotes Kazuhiko Nakayama as New President and Chief Executive Officer
Jun 12, 2026 | By Startup Rise

NTT DATA Group, a global provider of AI, digital and technology services, has appointed Kazuhiko Nakayama as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective June 12, 2026. He succeeds Yutaka Sasaki, who will become Senior Executive Vice President of NTT from June 18.
Nakayama most recently served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NTT DATA Group. The company said he brings strong leadership experience and expertise in business strategy and growth. He will lead the company's AI-focused growth plans while strengthening its position across more than 70 countries and regions where it operates.
Going forward, NTT DATA will focus on two major growth areas alongside its core business:
- AI-powered innovation and productivity improvements
- Next-generation infrastructure
The company aims to expand in areas such as Operational AI, which helps businesses improve operations and efficiency, and Physical AI, which enables AI applications in real-world environments such as factories, worksites, and facilities.
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Nakayama joined NTT in 1989 and has held leadership roles at NTT DOCOMO, NTT EAST and NTT Communications. He became CFO of NTT DATA Group in 2023 and previously served as Senior Vice President and Head of Finance and Accounting at NTT.
He holds an MBA from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree in economics from The University of Tokyo.
Kazuhiko Nakayama, President and CEO, NTT DATA Group commented, “Over the past three years I have had the honour 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.”
Yutaka Sasaki, outgoing President and CEO, NTT DATA Group, and Senior Executive Vice President of NTT said, “The appointment of Mr Nakayama as President and Chief Executive Officer follows a thoughtful and carefully planned succession process. 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 as One NTT DATA.”
NTT DATA is a global business and technology services company with annual revenue of more than $30 billion. The company serves 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and focuses on helping clients grow through innovation and digital transformation.
It is one of the world's leading providers of AI and digital infrastructure services, offering expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, connectivity, data centers and application services. The company says it is committed to driving business success while creating a positive impact on society through responsible innovation.
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