Mitsuko Tottori's journey to becoming the president of Japan Airlines Co. marked a significant milestone as she became the first woman and former flight attendant to hold this position. During the company's entrance ceremony on April 1, Tottori spoke to 2,600 new employees about the importance of prioritizing customer needs to drive innovation within the organization. Her leadership style is recognized for empowering employees and maintaining transparent communication channels with front-line workers, a quality that led to her selection as the company's 14th president.
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1964, Tottori's career path at Japan Airlines Co. took shape after she joined Toa Domestic Airlines in 1985, which later merged with JAL. Initially starting as a flight attendant, she dedicated three decades to providing exceptional service on domestic and international flights. Transitioning to the role of head of the cabin crew department in 2020, Tottori faced the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on safeguarding the employment of her fellow colleagues by exploring alternative job opportunities for them.
Tottori's experience during the era when female flight attendants faced challenges like leaving their jobs upon marriage or childbirth informs her commitment to supporting and uplifting female employees within the company. With the Equal Employment Opportunity Law newly enacted when she joined, Tottori strives to inspire and empower women in the workforce, emphasizing that her journey from a flight attendant to the company's president serves as a testament to what is achievable regardless of background or gender barriers. Her overarching goal as the president is to foster an inclusive environment where all employees can flourish under her leadership.