World News

Founder of Nippon Ham to resign as chairman

Nippon Meat Packers Inc. on Aug. 20 said that its Founder, Yoshinori Okoso, will resign as chairman over a beef mislabeling scam.

In addition, Hiroji Okoso, the founder's son and president of the ham and sausage maker, better known as Nippon Ham, will be replaced by Yoshikiyo Fujii, the company's executive director, by the end of the month. Hiroji Okoso will be demoted to managing director.

The announcement came after punitive measures to prevent a recurrence of the scandal were finalized at an extraordinary board meeting.

Many supermarkets have pulled Nippon Ham's products from their shelves in the wake of the scandal, and the firm's beef operations have effectively been halted as a result of the farm ministry's order that its subsidiary, Nippon Food, suspend sales activities.

Founder Okoso, 87, will be stripped of the right to represent the firm, but will be given the title of "honorary chairman."

Hiroji Okoso told a news conference that it is necessary for the company to keep the founder in some visible post, saying that the presence of the man "who made the company this big is necessary."

Asked why he himself will not withdraw from the board, the younger Okoso said: "I would like to work hard and contribute to the rebuilding of the firm."

The firm has denied any company-wide involvement in the scam.

Shukan ST: Aug. 30, 2002

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