New Japan Pro-Wrestling Replaces Harold Meij As President & CEO
New Japan Pro-Wrestling will have a new President as Harold Meij will no longer be running the promotion.
According to a statement issued on the NJPW website (seen below), Meij will no longer serve as President and CEO, and he will be replaced by NJPW of America CEO Takami Ohbari. The change will go into effect on October 23.
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 as President and CEO since May 2018. Meij addressed his departure in a new blog on the official New Japan website (rough translation from Japanese)
87th “Last Message”
Hello everyone. As announced earlier, I, Harold Meij, will retire as President of New Japan Pro-Wrestling on October 23, next month.
Even though we have escaped from the difficult times when we couldn’t play at all due to the corona wreck, the impact still remains. I wanted to continue this mission responsibly until the day when I could say “I’ve returned to the state before Corona” and “New Japan Pro-Wrestling is completely okay”, but I have to say goodbye to everyone. It’s time to have to. Please forgive me for the announcement at this time during the “G1 CLIMAX 30” due to the general meeting of shareholders…
Meij went on to thank the employees and fans and said he remains confident that Obari will help NJPW flourish.
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