Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. today announced the appointment of Mr. Hiroyuki Tsurugi to the position of Chair and CEO of Mitsui Australia.

Mr. Tsurugi will replace Mr. Noburu Katsu, who has retired from Mitsui & Co. after a career spanning more than 38 years working across a range of industries with numerous overseas assignments. The changes are effective from 1 April 2020.

Mr. Tsurugi joined Mitsui in 1984 after graduating from Kyoto University majoring in law and international politics. His most recent appointment was as President and CEO of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.

He has a close affinity with Australia working in Sydney from 1998 through to 2002 as the General Manager of Wandoo Petroleum, a former Mitsui affiliate business.

In his new role, Mr. Tsurugi will lead Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. with responsibility for overseeing Mitsui's diverse portfolio of businesses in Australia and the continued growth and diversification of the business.

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve, Mr. Tsurugi’s priorities are focused on protecting the safety and well-being of Mitsui employees and ensuring business continuity through adapting and responding to the changing environment.