Takuya Kitagawa, President and Director of QuEra Computing, Appointed Advisor to CPA Excellent Partners

CPA Excellent Partners Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kengo Kunimi; hereinafter "CPA") is pleased to announce that Takuya Kitagawa (Kitagawa Takuya), President and Director of QuEra Computing, will assume the role of "Advisor" to the company effective July 1, 2026.

Background of the Advisor Appointment

As AI technology becomes increasingly critical across all business sectors,

the acquisition of specialized knowledge and the strengthening of organizational capabilities in AI and data fields have become extremely important for CPA’s sustainable growth.

Mr. Kitagawa possesses not only a high-level scientific perspective as a theoretical physicist but also extensive experience leading AI and data strategy as Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Data Officer (CDO) at Rakuten, where he oversaw the group’s comprehensive AI and data initiatives.

He has also held leadership roles in cutting-edge global tech companies and served as an outside director at Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime-listed companies, demonstrating exceptional expertise in both the societal implementation of advanced technologies and corporate management.

Moving forward, Mr. Kitagawa will contribute his advanced knowledge in AI and data science to CPA. This collaboration will enhance the precision of CPA’s digital strategy, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the value of lifelong support and talent development for accounting and finance professionals.

About Advisor Takuya Kitagawa

### [Biography]

President and Director of QuEra Computing, a company developing and manufacturing quantum computers.

Outside Director at Mercari, Inc. Former Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Data Officer (CDO) at Rakuten, as well as Global Director of the Rakuten Institute of Technology. He led AI and data strategy and research across the group, managing over 700 personnel across five overseas hubs in the U.S., India, France, Singapore, and Japan. Co-founder of Well-being for Planet Earth and Unsun Foundation. Previously, as a theoretical physicist in condensed matter physics, he proposed a theoretical framework for non-equilibrium topological phases. Co-founder of Topologic, a company commercializing topological materials. He holds a bachelor’s and PhD in Physics and Mathematics from Harvard University.

### [Statement on Appointment]

I am deeply honored to be appointed as an advisor to CPA Excellent Partners, a company dedicated to nurturing and developing next-generation professionals.

The evolution of AI is fundamentally redefining what and how humans learn and create value. In the coming era, the most valuable professionals will not be those who compete on knowledge volume, but those who can formulate their own questions, identify core truths, and generate new value while mastering AI tools.

I will contribute the scientific thinking and vision I have cultivated through my work in theoretical physics, AI/data science, and business leadership to support CPA Excellent Partners’ mission of cultivating leaders who will shape the future.

Statement from Kengo Kunimi, Representative Director, CPA Excellent Partners

We warmly welcome Mr. Takuya Kitagawa, President and Director of QuEra Computing, who will join us as an advisor effective July 1.

Mr. Kitagawa has pursued world-leading research as a theoretical physicist, led AI and data strategy at Rakuten Group, and gained outstanding experience in both the societal implementation of advanced technologies—such as quantum computing—and corporate governance through executive roles in global tech firms and as an outside director at publicly listed companies.

With the advancement of AI, the value expected of accounting and finance professionals is undergoing significant transformation. In addition to expertise-backed judgment, the ability to leverage technology and create new value is becoming increasingly crucial.

At CPA, we have long been committed to lifelong support for accounting and finance professionals through learning, career development, and talent exchange, guided by our mission to “expand human potential and enrich lives.” With Mr. Kitagawa’s deep expertise, we will further advance our AI and data utilization, deliver better learning and career support experiences, and strive to realize a society where accounting and finance professionals can achieve greater impact.

About CPA Excellent Partners Co., Ltd.

CPA Excellent Partners Co., Ltd.

Representative Director: Kengo Kunimi

Established: September 2001

Headquarters: 5F Shinjuku Theater Building, 3-14-20 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Website: https://cpa-excellent-partners.co.jp/

Business Activities: - Operation of CPA Accounting Academy, a certified public accountant qualification school (https://cpa-net.jp/) - Operation of CPA Learning, a completely free e-learning platform for accounting and finance (https://www.cpa-learning.com/) - Operation of CPASS Career, a specialized job placement agency for accounting and finance talent (https://cpa-career.jp/) - Operation of CPASS, a lifelong support platform for accounting and finance professionals (https://cpass-net.jp/) - Operation of CPA Jobs, a specialized job board for accounting and finance roles (https://cpa-jobs.jp)