Refers to a person who takes over a position, role, or duties from a predecessor. Often used in business, organizational, or official contexts.
Antonyms: 前任者
彼が私の後任者に選ばれた。
He was chosen as my successor.
後任者が決まるまで、私がその仕事を続けます。
I will continue the work until a successor is decided.
predecessor
Compound of 後任 (こうにん, 'successor to a post') + 者 (しゃ, 'person'). The exact historical derivation is straightforward; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning.