Universal Entertainment Reshapes Board Following Shareholder Approval

By Kolade Abisoye - 1 Apr, 2026 More about the author

Business, Companies

Universal Entertainment has introduced a new management structure after shareholders approved changes at its 53rd annual general meeting held on March 27. The company appointed six directors and confirmed a revised board framework as part of its ongoing governance overhaul.

Tomohiro Okada remains in position as representative director and president, overseeing the group’s operations. He is the son of Kazuo Okada, the company’s founder.

The updated board includes a mix of executive and non-executive directors, plus an audit and supervisory committee to strengthen internal oversight.

Governance reforms target oversight and decision-making balance

The changes build on reforms introduced in 2025, when the company adopted an audit and supervisory committee model. This approach aligns more closely with international governance standards and introduces clearer separation between supervision and operations.

Under the revised framework, the board is responsible for strategic direction, while executive officers handle daily operations.

The restructuring also reduces the concentration of authority within a small group of decision-makers. This adjustment forms part of efforts to improve transparency and reinforce internal controls.

Universal Entertainment has faced governance challenges in recent years, including leadership disputes that attracted attention from investors and regulators.

Financial losses and declining gaming revenue add pressure

The governance changes follow a period of financial strain for the company deal. According to its latest financial report, Universal Entertainment recorded a net loss of JPY231.43 billion, compared with a loss of JPY15.57 billion in 2024.

The sharp increase was driven by impairment losses tied to the resort. Gross gaming revenue at Okada Manila declined 20.1% year-on-year in FY25, falling to PHP27.81 billion. This drop reflects ongoing corrections in the gaming market in Manila’s Entertainment City.