NTT Docomo announced that Kaoro Kato will replace Ryuji Yamada as the mobile operator’s president and CEO. Yamada, who has been president and CEO since June 2008, is expected to remain a board member and become an adviser to Docomo. Kato, who is currently an executive VP and managing director for corporate planning of the company, had previously been tipped to take the top position. 

The operator has also announced other changes to its senior management team, including the appointment of Kazuto Tsubouchi and Fumio Iwasaki as senior executive VPs. They were both previously executive VPs. The two new appointees will replace three senior executive VPs who are standing down from Docomo’s board.

The changes have been proposed by the company’s board of directors for approval at the shareholder and board of directors meeting scheduled for 19 June 2012. It said the changes are designed to further grow and develop its business.