SkyDrive Strengthens Governance with Appointment of Suzuki’s Naomi Ishii and DBJ’s Yuki Takemori as Independent Directors

TOYOTA, Japan, October 8th, 2025 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Naomi Ishii, Representative Director and Executive Vice President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Mr. Yuki Takemori, Executive Officer, Head of Innovation Investment Department at Development Bank of Japan Inc.(DBJ), as independent directors of the company as of September 24, 2025.

Background to the Appointments

SkyDrive is on a mission to drive the coming century of urban air transport as regular travel in eVTOL aircraft becomes a reality. The development of our “SKYDRIVE SD-05” aircraft has already garnered significant public attention following a series of successful demonstration flights at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. (*2). Alongside this development activity, SkyDrive is also working toward obtaining the type certification (*3) required for commercial operations of the aircraft. Many domestic and international partners are contributing strongly to this complex development and certification work, and SkyDrive recognizes the need to support this momentum with the strong governance and oversight required to drive key initiatives forward and achieve future growth.

Mr. Naomi Ishii is a Representative Director and Executive Vice President, Assistant to President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, a leading global automaker and SkyDrive shareholder headquartered in Japan. He brings to SkyDrive a wealth of experience and achievements in automotive mass production, quality assurance, global supply chain management, and cost control. He is expected to contribute to sustainable growth and shareholder value through critical insights and guidance on the establishment of mass production systems, robust quality assurance frameworks, and supply chain strategies.

Mr. Yuki Takemori, in his role as Executive Officer and Head of the Innovation Investment Department at DBJ, has extensive experience in leading investments, financing, and industrial research in the aviation sector. With a broad network spanning domestic and international aircraft manufacturers and airlines, Mr. Takemori has built deep expertise in technology commercialization and industrial development within the aerospace sector. His knowledge and experience will be instrumental as SkyDrive advances toward sustainable growth, enhances its corporate value, and develops its business strategies post-type certification.

Comments from Naomi Ishii

I am truly honored to become an independent director of SkyDrive Inc. Since 2022, Suzuki Motor Corporation has been collaborating with SkyDrive to take on the challenges of developing eVTOL aircraft and advancing this new field of mobility. By leveraging the perspectives I have gained through this partnership, as well as the knowledge and experience I have cultivated as a business executive at Suzuki, I will do my utmost to help strengthen SkyDrive’s management fundamentals and accelerate the incorporation of eVTOL technology into our society.

Comments from Yuki Takemori

It is a profound honor to join Team SkyDrive, a company steadfastly committed to pioneering a new era of air mobility in Japan by harnessing the nation’s collective intelligence and technological excellence. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working closely with professionals in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. These experiences have enabled me to contribute to the advancement of Japan’s aerospace industry and the creation of new industrial frontiers.
I am firmly convinced that SkyDrive’s aircraft represents a bold and innovative embodiment of Japan’s industrial resilience and ingenuity. As we pursue the long-anticipated achievement of type certification, I am fully committed to supporting the realization of Japan’s vision for the future of its skies—through steady, dedicated, and wholehearted efforts.

Announcement of Board Member Retirements

Skydrive announces that with the appointments of Mr. Takemori and Mr. Ishii, Mr. Soki Omae, Mr. Tatsuo Tsutsumi, and Mr. Yoshiki Hiruma have stepped down from their positions as independent directors of the company.

Source: SkyDrive PR