Sumitomo Biographies : Director-Generals

Seven director-generals who secured the foundation of Sumitomo and developed the business

Modernized the Besshi Copper Mines and laid the foundation for business development

Resigned from the judiciary to join Sumitomo at the age of 33. Decided to relocate the smelter to Shisakajima with a view to solving the smoke pollution problem

At the urging of Iba and attracted by Sumitomo’s business philosophy, left government service to join Sumitomo. Undertook projects beneficial to the nation from a long-term perspective

Introduced a mandatory retirement age and retired in accordance with the rule. Institutionalization of Iba’s caution against the “domination of the old”

Diversified Sumitomo’s business in line with the changing times. Known for his unique interviews of candidates

Developed a gold mine and emphasized fostering of talented people beneficial to the nation based on his maxim, “trust people and make good use of them”

The last director-general. Adhered to Sumitomo’s business philosophy emphasizing integrity in the unprecedentedly challenging post-war era

Read the seven-part commemorative lecture series (originally given on August 27, 2005) conceived for the “Achievements of Saihei Hirose and Teigo Iba” exhibition.