Seven & i Holdings has announced a major organizational restructuring designed to strengthen its international convenience store business, positioning overseas operations as a core growth pillar alongside its domestic and North American businesses.
The Japanese retail group said the changes will take effect on 1 July 2026 and are intended to improve global coordination, simplify decision-making, and strengthen talent development across the organization.
As part of the restructuring, Seven & i will establish a new International Business Management Office reporting directly to the CEO. The company will also transfer overseas business functions from Seven-Eleven Japan to the parent company and increase collaboration with 7-Eleven International.
The new structure will include an International Operations Department, a Global Planning Promotion Department, a Global Human Resources Development Department, and a Global MD Promotion Department. Several functions previously managed by Seven-Eleven Japan will be integrated into these new divisions.
Seven & i said the reforms are aimed at building a stronger foundation for long-term growth by aligning global strategy, talent development, merchandising, and operational planning across international markets.
The company also announced a series of executive and senior management appointments linked to the reorganization. Among the changes, Ken Wakabayashi will become Executive Officer and International Business Manager while continuing as President and CEO of 7-Eleven International LLC.
Additional appointments include new leadership roles across international operations, planning, human resources, and global merchandising functions.
At Seven-Eleven Japan, the Overseas Business Division will be abolished and replaced by a new Overseas Business Support Office. The company will also move its Global Talent Development Department into the Human Resources Division as part of the wider restructuring.
The move highlights Seven & i’s growing focus on international expansion and operational integration as it seeks to strengthen the global competitiveness of its convenience store business.
The changes come as major retail groups continue to streamline international operations and centralize strategic decision-making to support growth across multiple markets.
What happens next?
The new structure will take effect from July 2026, with Seven & i expected to use the reorganization to strengthen international coordination, support future expansion opportunities, and improve the management of its global convenience store network.
