Sakura Kuma is the Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K.Line, Ltd, and the Managing Director of MOL (Asia Oceania) Ptd, Ltd. She is cosponsible for overall strategy and business development in the Southeast Asia and Oceania region.
Before joining MOL, Sakura held several leadership roles in the shipping industry.
Prior to the current role, she served as the Senior Advisor for MOL(Oct, 2024- Mar, 2025).
Following the CEO of APM Terminals Japan (2021- 2024), where she not only established and strengthened the commercial function but also improved stakeholder relationship management and expanded the businesses.
As the Executive Director of Yokohama Kawasaki International Port (2017- 2020, seconde from NYK), Sakura was responsible for marketing & sales and terminal development. She led the green fuel transition process, including developing LNG bunkering, and served as the liaison to industrial associations and partners, including MPA.
During her tenure with NYK (2001-2021), Sakura’s career was enriched by a variety of experiences. She started in container business, leading several container terminal M&A projects overseas especially working on East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe. She was involved in NYK’s global HR strategy planning, established and led the overseas marketing/sales division for NYK Bulk & Projects Carrier, Ltd (a 100% NYK-owned subsidiary), and was appointed as the first female representative of NYK to Yusen Terminals LLC, overseeing its operation at the west coast of United States.
Sakura’s passion for the industry and its DE&I improvement remains constant. In her free time, she also enjoys hiking, diving and golfing.