noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
predecessor; former incumbent
Refers to the person who previously held a position, role, or office. Often used with の to modify a following noun, e.g., 前任者 (predecessor).
The former president retired last year.
He is my predecessor.
新任 refers to the newly appointed person in a post, while 前任 refers to the previous holder of that same post.
Compound of 前 (previous) and 任 (duty, office).