Koei Tecmo’s Boss Steps Down After 45 Years

After more than four decades at the helm, Koei Tecmo’s longtime CEO Yoichi Erikawa is stepping aside. The man who co-founded Koei in 1978 alongside his wife, Keiko Erikawa, is handing over the reins—though he’s not leaving entirely.

Erikawa will transition to a Representative Director and Chairman role, while his wife, who currently holds that title, will take on the honorific position of Chairman Emeritus. Stepping up as the new CEO is Hisashi Koinuma, a Koei veteran who started as a programmer in 1994 before helping shape the Samurai Warriors and Dynasty Warriors franchises.

For those unfamiliar with Koei Tecmo’s corporate history, it’s been quite the journey. The original Koei merged with Tecmo in 2009, forming Tecmo Koei (later renamed Koei Tecmo). The initial CEO of the merged company, Kenji Matsubara, lasted only 18 months before stepping down due to financial struggles, leading to Erikawa reclaiming the top spot.

Now, the company is gearing up for another shift. According to Koei Tecmo’s official statement, these changes are part of a long-term plan to ensure continued growth and, in their words, become “the world’s No.1 digital entertainment company.” A lofty ambition, but with Koinuma’s history of leading hit franchises, it might just be within reach.