Seiko Watch Corp. has appointed Akio Naito (pictured) as its new president, part of a larger realignment of the Tokyo-based brand.

Seiko Watch Corp. encompasses the Seiko, Grand Seiko, and Credor brands.

Naito, a 30-year company veteran, was previously the watch division’s deputy chief operating officer, where he oversaw the Seiko and Grand Seiko watch businesses outside of Japan.

He has also served as chairman and CEO of Grand Seiko Corp. of America, where he helped establish the high-end brand in the United States.

Naito takes over as watch division president from Shuji Takahashi, who will become president of Seiko Holdings Corp., the watch company’s parent. In addition to watches, Seiko Holdings sells electronic devices, clocks, apparel, and accessories.

Shinji Hattori, the current CEO of Seiko Watch Corp., will step down as CEO of that division, but will remain chairman, group CEO, and chief commercial officer of Seiko Holdings Corp. As part of this restructuring, Hattori will not be replaced as the watch division’s CEO.

Shinji Hattori is the great-grandson of Kintaro Hattori, who founded Seiko in 1881 at age 21.

(Photo courtesy of Seiko Watch Corp.)

 

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