Kazuaki Shimamoto has held successive positions such as Hospital Superintendent of Sapporo Medical University Hospital and Chairperson and President of Sapporo Medical University, and currently works as Chancellor of Incorporated Educational Institution Japan Health Care College. He also chairs meetings of the Board of Directors, etc. at the Bank and leads constructive discussions. The Bank concluded that he can use his extensive experience and specialist’s knowledge as an executive in the medical field which is one of the important growing industries in the region, and can continue to contribute to discussions at meetings of the Board of Directors, etc. that lead to the development of the regional economy and the enhancement of medical welfare and supervision of the management for the sustainable growth of the Bank and the region with a post-pandemic view, and so made him a candidate for External Director.