13 March, 2026, Tokyo, Japan. SSP Co., Ltd. (Opella Group, Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo) announces that Yoko Motoshima, currently Head of the Marketing Division, is scheduled to assume the role of President and General Manager effective April 1, 2026. This appointment is subject to formal approval through required procedures, including the resolution by the shareholder.
Since joining the company in 2022, Motoshima has overseen domestic brand strategy and innovation, driving a consumer-centric approach to marketing and building an organization capable of responding swiftly to market changes. She has focused resources on strengthening brands, leveraged global models, contributed to the growth of key brands, and accelerated innovation activities.
She has also worked to integrate Opella's global expertise with SSP's legacy of over 260 years, strengthening cross-functional collaboration. These achievements and her broad experience position her to lead the growth of the Japan business going forward.
Prior to joining SSP, Motoshima served as Business Unit Head for the Japan Hair Care business at Unilever, and also led Global Marketing for the Lipton brand, building a strong track record in business operations, brand strategy, and international market development. She also worked in global marketing and strategy at Toyota Motor Corporation, bringing extensive experience in FMCG and consumer goods.
SSP was founded in 1765 with the philosophy of "serving society through the power of science," and has long supported self-care in Japan. Since 2025, as a member of the Opella Group, SSP has pursued its mission of "Health. In your hands." - making self-care simpler and more essential.
The Japanese OTC and VMS (vitamins, minerals, and supplements) market is undergoing a major transformation driven by evolving health consciousness and digital advancement. In response to these changes, SSP has decided to transition to a new leadership structure to create value together with all stakeholders.
Current President & Representative Director Nikhilesh Kalra has made significant contributions to the growth of the Japan business and the strengthening of its organizational foundation. Kalra is scheduled to assume the role of GM of Western Europe effective April 1, 2026.
About Opella.
Opella is the self-care challenger with the purest and third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally. Our mission is to bring health in people’s hands by making self-care as simple as it should be. For half a billion consumers worldwide – and counting. At the core of this mission is our 100 loved brands, our 11,000-strong global team, our 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. Headquartered in France, Opella is the proud maker of many of the world’s most loved brands, including Allegra, Buscopan, Doliprane, Dulcolax, Enterogermina, Essentiale and Mucosolvan. B Corp certified globally, we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet.
Find out more about our mission at www.opella.com.
About SSP Co., Ltd.
SSP Co., Ltd. is a pharmaceutical company specializing in OTC medicines and healthcare products. Since its founding in 1765, SSP has provided products addressing Japan's health needs for over 260 years. The company serves as Opella's Japan business - part of the world's third-largest OTC and VMS portfolio. SSP will continue to contribute to improving people's health and quality of life through the development of high-value medicines and the promotion of self-medication.
For more information, visit https://www.ssp.co.jp/.
Press contacts.
SSP Co., Ltd.
CHCJapanCommunicationsJP@ssp.co.jp.
All trademarks mentioned in this press release are the property of Opella.
Appendix: Biography.
Yoko Motoshima.
President and Representative Director, SSP Co., Ltd.
Yoko Joined SSP in 2022, overseeing domestic brand strategy and innovation, leading the Marketing & Innovation team within the Marketing Division in collaboration with the global network. Prior to joining SSP, Yoko built a strong track record at Unilever, where she served as Business Unit Head for the Japan Hair Care business and led Global Marketing for the Lipton brand. She also gained extensive experience in global marketing and strategy at Toyota Motor Corporation. She holds a degree in Psychology and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin.
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