Keisuke Sadamori begins term as IEA Director for Energy Markets and Security

Keisuke Sadamori took charge on 1 October as the International Energy Agency’s new Director for Energy Markets and Security, pledging to buttress the Agency’s role in energy security in his newest challenge during a long career in energy issues and international affairs.

“The International Energy Agency is a critical safeguard of energy security for its member countries and the rest of the world,” Mr. Sadamori said. “In my new role, I will make sure the IEA continues to monitor energy markets closely, producing data and analysis so that member countries are fully informed about supply, demand and any emerging trends.”  

As head of the Agency’s Energy Markets and Security Directorate (EMS), Mr. Sadamori leads an administrative structure that includes several core functions of the IEA, including monitoring global oil markets and responding to energy-supply disruptions. The directorate employs about 45 analysts and others in four divisions: Gas, Coal and Power Markets; Emergency Policy; Oil Industry and Markets; and Renewable Energy.

Previously, Mr. Sadamori held the post of Deputy Director General for Policy Co-ordination at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in Japan.

He had been involved with the IEA for a number of years as IEA Governing Board Representative for Japan, and Co-Chairman of the Standing Group on Long Term Co-operation.

Over the years, Mr. Sadamori has served in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Japan and has co-ordinated numerous important projects, including work following the Fukushima-Daiichi incident in March 2011.  He also spent three years in Washington, DC, as Economic Counsellor at the Japanese Embassy focusing on electricity/gas issues and dealing with energy industries and trading companies involved in the oil market. 

Mr. Sadamori, a Japanese national, holds a law degree from the University of Tokyo and a Masters degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University.

He succeeds Didier Houssin, whom IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven lauded for his significant achievements and dedication in the office. “I wish to thank Didier for his solid support and co-operation since my arrival at the IEA a year ago, and wish him the very best in all his future endeavours.”