Hajime Jimmy Uba has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2008 and also served as interim Chief Operating Officer from August 2020 through July 2021. Mr. Uba became a member of our Board of Directors in October 2017. Mr. Uba joined the Company s majority stockholder, Kura Sushi, Inc. ( Kura Japan ), in 2000 and in 2008 was selected to establish and grow the Company. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Uba headed operations for Kura Japan, where he oversaw operations for Eastern and Western Japan. During this time, Mr. Uba was responsible for the expansion of the Kura brand into Eastern Japan and managed over 100 restaurants. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Uba spent three years as a restaurant manager and one year as a regional manager. During his tenure, Kura Japan grew from approximately 30 to 180 restaurant locations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Kansai University in Japan. Mr. Uba possesses extensive knowledge of all facets of our business and operations, as well as a deep understanding of our history and culture, making him qualified to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.