Friday, August 16, 2024
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Okuma Corporation, a global leader in CNC machine tools and automation systems, has announced significant leadership appointments aimed at furthering the company’s global growth and supporting its evolving customer needs within the manufacturing industry. These appointments, effective immediately, reflect the company’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry as it prepares for continued expansion and technological advancements over the next decade.
Mr. Takeshi (Tad) Yamamoto Appointed Chairman of Okuma America Corporation
Mr. Takeshi (Tad) Yamamoto has been appointed as Chairman of Okuma America Corporation, a pivotal role in which he will continue to guide the company’s strategic direction across the Americas. Mr. Yamamoto’s association with Okuma dates back to 1982 when he began his career as a manufacturing engineer at Okuma Corporation (Japan) after earning a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Waseda University. Over the years, Mr. Yamamoto has held numerous key positions within the organization, including his most recent role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Okuma America Corporation, a position he has held since July 1, 2009.
In his expanded role, Mr. Yamamoto will continue to contribute his vast experience and leadership as a member of the board of directors for Okuma Corporation (Japan), Senior Executive Officer in charge of Global Sales, and Chairman and CEO of Okuma Europe GmbH. His deep understanding of the global market, coupled with his extensive operational experience, makes him uniquely qualified to oversee Okuma’s continued success and growth in both the Americas and Europe.
Mr. Jim King Promoted to President, CEO, and COO of Okuma America Corporation
Mr. Jim King has been promoted to the roles of President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Okuma America Corporation. Additionally, Mr. King will now serve as a Senior Officer of Okuma Corporation (Japan), further solidifying his leadership within the global organization. Since joining Okuma in January 2010 as Senior Vice President of Sales, Mr. King has played a crucial role in driving sales growth and operational excellence within the company. He was later promoted to President and COO of Okuma America Corporation in 2011.
Mr. King brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously held senior leadership positions at Siemens Industry, Nematron, and Source Alliance.com. His career began in 1980 at Rockwell Automation, where he gained valuable experience in sales, marketing, and product development. Mr. King holds an Applied Engineering Sciences degree from Michigan State University, further underscoring his technical and leadership capabilities.
Strategic Vision for the Future
As Okuma Corporation embarks on the next phase of its growth, these leadership appointments are seen as strategic moves to position the company for continued innovation and success. Building on its 125-year history, Okuma is focused on driving new product innovations, expanding its portfolio of machine tools and automation systems, and investing in new technologies and support centers around the world.
Dr. Atsushi Ieki, President of Okuma Corporation (Japan), emphasized the importance of these appointments in achieving the company’s long-term goals: “As we pursue our mission of pushing the evolution of manufacturing and opening new possibilities for our customers for the next decade, we are strategically preparing our organization by making investments in our people, our technologies, and our global footprint. The recent appointments of both Mr. Yamamoto and Mr. King better position our company to exceed both customer and Okuma aspirational goals.”
With these strategic leadership changes, Okuma Corporation is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and leadership in the global manufacturing industry, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements and customer satisfaction.
