May 24, 2024: Osamu Murao is set to become chairman and director of the Japan-based GS Yuasa Corporation as of June 27. The lead and lithium battery manufacturing giant announced the move on May 27. Murao is currently president and representative director.

Takashi Abe, a director, is set to become president and will also work as a representative director.

Yuasa said the appointments were supported at a board meeting on May 20 and should be confirmed at the company’s annual general meeting of shareholders in June.

Analysis by Yuasa last March said manufacturers have everything to play for in keeping up with high global demand for automotive lead batteries for at least the next decade — and even expanding sales in some regions.

The company said its Automotive Battery Business Briefing showed global demand for lead batteries would not fall at an “accelerated pace” up to 2035, despite expected increases in EV sales.