The rare change to the lineup announced in May comes after a group of independent lawyers concluded earlier this month Toshiba had colluded with the Japanese government to fend off activist foreign investors in the company's general shareholders' meeting last summer.
The exclusion of the two --
In announcing the decision unanimously made at a board of directors meeting on Sunday, Toshiba said it has taken the independent panel's report "seriously."
"We will take action to identify the root cause without delay, in an objective and transparent manner, including the participation of third parties," Toshiba said in a statement.
The audit committee in February found no issue with the general shareholders' meeting in
Two senior executives mentioned in the independent panel's report -- Corporate Senior Executive Vice President
Conducted by independent lawyers at the request of foreign investors, the independent investigation revealed Toshiba and the
Such investors include major Toshiba shareholder
Toshiba has seen a bigger presence of overseas investors in recent years as it accepted foreign funds to cope with its financial struggles.
Since the report was released four outside directors have issued a statement saying that they will not support all candidates.
3D Investment Partners, Toshiba's second-largest shareholder, has sent a letter to Toshiba's board chairman
==Kyodo
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