Kobe Steel to increase independent director candidates

Kobe Steel, Ltd. announced on March 5, 2019 candidates for independent directors for discussion at the 166th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders to be held in June 2019 in its executive changes. At the Board of Directors meeting held today, Kobe Steel has decided to increase the number of independent director candidates. The details are as follows:

To date, Kobe Steel has appointed two independent directors (excluding independent directors who are Audit & Supervisory Committee members). With the aim of improving its corporate value over the medium to long term, Kobe Steel has decided to add one more independent director to enhance effectiveness in the Board of Directors’ independent and objective supervision of management.

Ms. Ito has extensive experience and deep insight centered on legal affairs in corporate management. As she is a person who can make objective, fair and neutral judgements based on such experience and insight, Kobe Steel has judged that Ms. Ito is suitable as an independent director of Kobe Steel in accordance with the Principles on Appointment of Candidate for Directors and Standards for Independent Directors.