SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Naomi Ishii, Representative Director and Executive Vice President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Mr. Yuki Takemori, Executive Officer, Head of Innovation Investment Department at Development Bank of Japan Inc.(DBJ), as independent directors of the company as of September 24, 2025.
Background to the Appointments
SkyDrive is on a mission to drive the coming century of urban air transport as regular travel in eVTOL aircraft becomes a reality. The development of our “SKYDRIVE SD-05” aircraft has already garnered significant public attention following a series of successful demonstration flights at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. (*2). Alongside this development activity, SkyDrive is also working toward obtaining the type certification (*3) required for commercial operations of the aircraft. Many domestic and international partners are contributing strongly to this complex development and certification work, and SkyDrive recognizes the need to support this momentum with the strong governance and oversight required to drive key initiatives forward and achieve future growth.
Mr. Naomi Ishii is a Representative Director and Executive Vice President, Assistant to President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, a leading global automaker and SkyDrive shareholder headquartered in Japan. He brings to SkyDrive a wealth of experience and achievements in automotive mass production, quality assurance, global supply chain management, and cost control. He is expected to contribute to sustainable growth and shareholder value through critical insights and guidance on the establishment of mass production systems, robust quality assurance frameworks, and supply chain strategies.
Mr. Yuki Takemori, in his role as Executive Officer and Head of the Innovation Investment Department at DBJ, has extensive experience in leading investments, financing, and industrial research in the aviation sector. With a broad network spanning domestic and international aircraft manufacturers and airlines, Mr. Takemori has built deep expertise in technology commercialization and industrial development within the aerospace sector. His knowledge and experience will be instrumental as SkyDrive advances toward sustainable growth, enhances its corporate value, and develops its business strategies post-type certification.
Comments from Naomi Ishii
I am truly honored to become an independent director of SkyDrive Inc. Since 2022, Suzuki Motor Corporation has been collaborating with SkyDrive to take on the challenges of developing eVTOL aircraft and advancing this new field of mobility. By leveraging the perspectives, I have gained through this partnership, as well as the knowledge and experience I have cultivated as a business executive at Suzuki, I will do my utmost to help strengthen SkyDrive’s management fundamentals and accelerate the incorporation of eVTOL technology into our society.
Comments from Yuki Takemori
It is a profound honor to join Team SkyDrive, a company steadfastly committed to pioneering a new era of air mobility in Japan by harnessing the nation’s collective intelligence and technological excellence. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working closely with professionals in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. These experiences have enabled me to contribute to the advancement of Japan’s aerospace industry and the creation of new industrial frontiers.
I am firmly convinced that SkyDrive’s aircraft represents a bold and innovative embodiment of Japan’s industrial resilience and ingenuity. As we pursue the long-anticipated achievement of type certification, I am fully committed to supporting the realization of Japan’s vision for the future of its skies—through steady, dedicated, and wholehearted efforts.
Announcement of Board Member Retirements
SkyDrive announces that with the appointments of Mr. Takemori and Mr. Ishii, Mr. Soki Omae, Mr. Tatsuo Tsutsumi, and Mr. Yoshiki Hiruma have stepped down from their positions as independent directors of the company.
SkyDriveについて
SkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. The company successfully showcased the eVTOL “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s first eVTOL product with demonstration flights spanning one month at the Osaka Expo, witnessed by thousands of visitors. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to obtain certification for “SKYDRIVE”, and aims to launch the service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur. For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/
... SPからのメモ
(*1)「eVTOL」とは、electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing（電動垂直離着陸）の略。その名の通り、滑走路がなくても離着陸が可能な航空機で、電気を動力源とし、高度な自動飛行制御技術を搭載している。.
(*2) https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/16292
(*3) https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/14401
Press Release and Image Credit:
Public Relations SkyDrive Inc. Email: info@skydrive.co.jp
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