Mitsuko Tottori, the newly appointed president of Japan Airlines Co., marked a significant milestone as the first female and former flight attendant to hold the prestigious position. During the company's entrance ceremony, Tottori stressed the importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction and always seeking innovative solutions.
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1964, Tottori's journey in the aviation industry began in 1985 when she joined Toa Domestic Airlines, which later merged with JAL. Despite starting as a flight attendant, Tottori quickly rose through the ranks due to her exemplary leadership skills and dedication to enhancing passenger experiences on domestic and international flights. Her role as the head of the cabin crew department in 2020 allowed her to navigate the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the well-being of 8,000 flight attendants through innovative strategies.
Tottori's personal experiences, including working as a flight attendant during a time when female employees faced challenges related to marriage and childbirth, have shaped her leadership style. As a pioneer in the industry, she aims to empower and support female employees by demonstrating that individuals like her can ascend to top leadership positions. With a strong focus on creating an inclusive and supportive work environment, Tottori is committed to leading by example and inspiring others to overcome obstacles in their career paths.