The Bank of Japan is planning to name Masahiro Samejima, director general of its Financial Systems and Bank Examination Department, as an executive director, BOJ sources said Saturday.

He would replace the retiring Masaaki Shirakawa.

Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki is expected to formalize the appointment Monday following recommendations put forward by the BOJ Policy Board, the sources said.

Samejima, 52, joined the BOJ in 1976 after graduating from the University of Tokyo.