NJPW Announces Major Leadership Shake-Up
Harold Meij is out as President and CEO.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has today announced the resignation of Harold Meij as the company's President and CEO, effective 23 October.
The promotion issued the following press release:-
"At a meeting of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s parent company Bushiroad’s board of directors today September 29, 2020, a change was announced in NJPW’s directorship. This change will take effect at the beginning of NJPW’s 50th year of trading on October 23rd.
Outgoing President/CEO
Harold Meij
New NJPW President/CEO (as of October 23)
Takami Ohbari (current NJPW of America CEO)"
Meij had served in his NJPW role since May 2018, having previously worked as Coca-Cola Japan's senior vice president. His leadership brought the expansion of NJPW's foreign operations via October 2019's confirmation of a new US-based subsidiary, New Japan Pro Wrestling of America, and the announcement that they hoped to hold up to 26 shows in the country in 2020.
These plans were later foiled by the global health crisis, though the American offshoot has resumed operations with the weekly STRONG brand airing on NJPW World.
His replacement, Ohbari, has been NJPW of America's CEO since its inception, and has been with the promotion's parent company, Bushiroad, since December 2018.