Management team

CEO, Representative Director Gakuto Nakayama

After graduating from university, he started his career at a foreign-owned IT company and founded Progress Technologies with his friends. He developed an interest in IT early on and has consistently delivered advanced solutions to his clients' issues. With a strong track record in collaborating with major manufacturing companies, he helps the Japanese manufacturing industry by offering transformative IT solutions tailored for their optimal performance.

Executive Director Daisuke Sawai

After graduating from university, he started his career at a foreign-owned company and engaged in human resources management. He has a strong interest in startup companies tackling various challenges and has been involved in Progress Technologies since its launch. As the head of the human resources and general affairs department, as well as the administrative department, he is fostering the creation of a company with a strong focus on human capital.

Executive Director Ichiro Nagatomo

Ichiro is a consultant with extensive experience in delivering projects across various industries. Having worked in research and development at a major manufacturer’s research laboratory, he is well-equipped to assist throughout the entire process, from formulating the ideal design and development procedures to overseeing the architecture, implementation, and operation of the system. He has compiled his diverse project experiences into a methodology and offers a unique service called “PT DBS.”

Outside Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member Masaaki Hirano

Joined Nomura Securities in 1982 and was in charge of institutional planning related to the underwriting business and the management of affiliated companies in the Underwriting Planning Department and Related Business Department. Additionally, he oversees examination work concerning new listings and financing for both domestic and foreign companies in the Underwriting Examination Department. In 2018, he was appointed as a full-time Corporate Auditor of SANKO MARKETING FOODS. Joined our group as a full-time auditor of Progress Technologies in 2020 and has been a director and full-time audit committee member of Progress Technologies Group since 2024.

Outside Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member Seiji Saito

Joined Suntory Holdings in 1980, where he engaged in the start-up and restructuring of various businesses, including Suntory Hall, Häagen-Dazs, Pepsi-Cola Japan, and Tipness. In addition to these initiatives, he was responsible for implementing systemic changes within Suntory’s HR department. In 2012, Seiji became the head of the career development department, contributing to career support initiatives since 2018. In 2023, he joined Progress Technologies Group as a corporate auditor and was appointed Director and Audit Committee Member in 2024.

Outside Director, Audit & Supervisory Committee Member Hajime Hirata

Started his career at Honda Motor in 1980. The following year, he was assigned to Honda R&D, where he focused on researching the complete vehicle performance of four-wheeled vehicles. After contributing to various product development projects, he took on leadership roles in the Future Technology Research Division and the Mass Production Development Division, overseeing strategies for automotive performance as a senior research fellow. He joined Showa in 2011, serving as Managing Director and General Manager of the Development Division. Since 2013, he has held the position of Representative Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, as well as General Manager of the Development Division. In 2018, he earned an MBA. Joined Progress Technologies Group in 2024 and currently serves as Director and Audit & Supervisory Committee Member.