NEC India appoints Ichiro Kurihara as president and CEO

NEC Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. has appointed Ichiro Kurihara as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2026, as the Japanese technology firm sharpens its focus on India as a key growth market.

Kurihara will lead the company’s overall strategy and operations in India, with responsibility for corporate governance, government and enterprise partnerships, and alignment with global and regional priorities. His mandate includes driving sustainable growth, strengthening long-term value creation, and deepening India’s role within NEC’s global expansion plans.

The appointment comes at a time when India is accelerating investments in digital infrastructure, public safety systems, and emerging technologies. NEC India has been active in sectors such as AI-driven biometrics, smart cities, enterprise IT solutions, and financial services, working closely with government bodies and private enterprises over the past seven decades.

In his new role, Kurihara is expected to focus on expanding NEC India’s footprint as a technology partner in national projects, while also building internal capabilities. This includes fostering a high-performance work culture, developing leadership talent, and advancing workforce skills in line with India’s evolving digital economy.

Kurihara brings more than 30 years of experience within NEC, having led business operations across several Asian markets including the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand. His regional expertise is seen as critical for navigating India’s complex but high-growth environment.

Speaking on his appointment, Kurihara said India presents “both complexity and opportunity,” noting the country’s strong digital ambitions and infrastructure push. He emphasized the need to adapt global capabilities to local requirements and highlighted collaboration with customers and partners as central to NEC’s strategy.

Industry observers note that India’s large pool of engineering and digital talent makes it a strategic base for multinational technology firms looking to drive innovation at scale. NEC’s approach aligns with a broader trend among global companies to deepen local hiring, upskilling, and research capabilities in the country. At the same time, the company’s strategy also reflects a commitment to strengthening Indo-Japanese business ties, with India positioned as a key market for collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation.