JAL CEO's Radical Leadership: Salary Cut, Bus Travel, Canteen Meals Saved Airline
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News18•17-01-2026, 16:52
JAL CEO's Radical Leadership: Salary Cut, Bus Travel, Canteen Meals Saved Airline
- •Haruka Nishimatsu, CEO of Japan Airlines (JAL), drastically cut his own salary by 60% to $90,000, less than many pilots, and eliminated bonuses to set an example during a severe crisis.
- •Nishimatsu abandoned luxury perks, traveling by public bus and train, and eating in the office canteen with employees to foster empathy and shared responsibility.
- •His leadership style, focused on personal sacrifice and employee connection, boosted morale and contrasted sharply with other executives during the 2008 recession.
- •Despite Nishimatsu's efforts, JAL declared bankruptcy in 2010 with $25 billion debt; he took full responsibility and resigned.
- •Kyocera founder Kazuo Inamori, appointed by the government, restructured JAL, implementing the 'Amoeba' system, reducing staff, and optimizing routes, leading to a successful re-listing in 2012.
Why It Matters: JAL's turnaround story highlights how empathetic leadership and drastic restructuring can save a company.
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