Japan's 7-Eleven chain names new leader to fend off takeover bid

To improve sluggish earnings, Tomohiro Akutsu seeks better ties with franchise owners

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Tomohiro Akutsu is tasked with improving convenience store profitability in Japan's saturated market. (Source photos by Nikkei)

YOSHIHIRO HARA and HIDEKI SHINOHARA

TOKYO -- Seven & i Holdings announced on Thursday that Executive Officer Tomohiro Akutsu, 54, will lead the company's domestic convenience store subsidiary, Seven-Eleven Japan.

With about 30 years of experience working with franchises, Akutsu will try to reinvigorate the convenience chain's sluggish operations in Japan and fend off a takeover bid by a Canadian rival.

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