Messages from External Directors and Audit ＆ Supervisory Board Members

I believe the best way to increase shareholder value is to prize capital market perspectives and objectively judge how these markets perceive Fast Retailing's corporate value. I intend to ensure solid global risk management and offer advice from a broad range of perspectives to ensure Fast Retailing continues to fulfill market expectations as a highly respected company that is expected to grow strongly in the future.

Fast Retailing is proceeding with its transformation into a digital consumer retailing company and accelerating its efforts to analyze data and acquire knowledge. Fast Retailing made efficient investments in updated IT systems, which are now supporting operations and earning a strong reputation. Fast Retailing is also attracting exceptionally talented employees and building frameworks for the next stage of growth. The Board should support this progress.

During my career as senior manager, I believed that a company's frontline operations were paramount, and I still do. I make casual visits to stores and listen to customer opinions. I also propose management improvements gleaned from my experiences as an individual consumer. Our Board is well-balanced and boasts members with diverse business backgrounds. Everyone exchanges lively opinions and Mr. Yanai is always open to ideas.

As Fast Retailing's first female external director and the first director who is not a Japanese national, I strive to make proposals from diverse perspectives. Mr. Yanai, who is well versed in ESG matters, shares my belief that diversity is the driver of growth. I want to help create the organizational frameworks to achieve this. Nurturing role models to promote "womenomics" is part of that effort.

I intend to use my experience and expertise in construction to offer even better proposals and advice on how to build sustainable next-generation stores that will meet future standards. That means determinedly balancing profit and sustainability and pursuing necessary steps based on future scenarios. As a director, I want to support this kind of innovation at Fast Retailing.

I have worked for many years in the food industry, so the idea of LifeWear as a daily necessity resonates with me. I have experience in the United States, Europe, and Asia in global and executive management, and I apply that knowledge to my responsibilities as an external director by helping improve medium- to long-term corporate value at Fast Retailing, which has great growth potential.

It is important that the external Audit & Supervisory Board members of a swift, effective company such as Fast Retailing support the company's growth opportunities while also offering risk-mitigating advice from multiple perspectives. I always do my utmost to conduct vigilant reviews and strengthen corporate structure.

The stronger the opinion, the more attentively Mr. Yanai listens, so Audit & Supervisory Board Members and directors can always conduct open-minded discussions. With over 30 years' experience as a corporate restructuring consultant, accountant, and tax expert, I can advise on these matters and also offer suggestions on various issues that go beyond my external Audit & Supervisory Board Member remit.

Fast Retailing's mission is to grow in harmony with society. Is the decisionmaking process appropriate? Is the company's economic and social value consistently increasing? What risks hinder the realization of the company's business plans? It is my job to look into these matters and strengthen global governance.