Michael Woodford, whose ouster as CEO of Olympus Corp <7733.T> a month ago spurred revelations of accounting tricks at the camera and endoscope maker, said Wednesday he believed the company's shares should not be delisted but that it needed new management.

Woodford also told reporters at the arrival gate at Tokyo's Narita international airport that he had faith that Tokyo police were capable of uncovering the truth in the accounting scandal.

Woodford arrived in Tokyo Wednesday, his first trip to Japan since his sacking on October 14, to meet prosecutors, the nation's security industry watchdog and police investigating efforts by Olympus to hide losses through M&A deals, including the payment of a massive $687 million advisory fee.

Woodford Friday will also attend his first board meeting since it convened to oust the Briton, who had refused to return to Japan earlier saying he was concerned for his safety. Woodford remains a director despite his sacking as CEO.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; Writing by Edmund Klamann; Editing by Mark Bendeich)

Japan