Early Life
Eiichi Kuriwada was born in 1946 in the Niigata Prefecture, Japan. His early life was marked by the complexities of being an illegitimate child. He later adopted his mother's family name, Kuriwada. Kuriwada completed his high school education and began his career working with the Japanese National Railway for over a decade. In 1977, at the age of 31, he joined Sagawa Express.
Rise to Success
Kuriwada's career at Sagawa Express saw him rise through the ranks, taking on roles of increasing responsibility. The 1992 scandal within the company, which involved accusations of bribing politicians, provided an opportunity for him to step up. He became the President of Sagawa Express, demonstrating his leadership abilities during a challenging period. He led Sagawa Express to its IPO in December 2017.
Key Business Strategies
Eiichi Kuriwada has focused on strategic expansion and market adaptation. Kuriwada played a key role in leading Sagawa Express's international expansion, starting with Vietnam in 1997. The company benefited from increased online purchasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting its revenue. Under his leadership, SG Holdings has pursued a strategy of stable and sustainable growth. This strategy includes focusing on the express package delivery business and expanding into total logistics, which includes low-temperature and global logistics.
Philanthropy
Kuriwada serves as the Chairman of the SGH Foundation, which provides grants and other assistance to promote education, culture, medicine, welfare, and the economy. The foundation strives to contribute to a cosmopolitan and vibrant society.
