Komori has appointed Thomas Heininger as the first CEO of its European operation who isn’t Japanese.
Heininger has been CEO of post-press manufacturer MBO, acquired by Komori in 2020, for seven years and retains that position.
He takes over from Eiji Kajita, who was head of Komori’s European business HQ and president of Komori Europe.
Kajita has taken up a new role heading up Komori’s Packaging Solution operation.
Komori Europe has also appointed a new COO, Naomasa Hashimoto, and said he would play a key role in enhancing efficiency and driving innovation across the organisation.
He was previously general manager at Komori’s overseas sales group.
Heininger said: “I would like to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to Mr Kajita. His dedication and outstanding leadership have been instrumental in Komori’s recent success.
“I’m deeply grateful for his significant role at Komori Europe and wish him every success in his new role as head of Packaging Solution Business Unit.”
Komori said the appointments would enrich its international team. As is common at many Japanese corporates, the manufacturer would typically appoint a Japanese national to head up overseas business unites.
“Komori’s mission is to utilise the rich cultural diversity and extensive expertise of Komori and MBO to create even closer connections within the European market,” the manufacturer stated.
“With the support of Mr Heininger and Mr Hashimoto, Komori aims to approach the European print market, modern broader portfolio of innovative solutions.”
Komori will showcase a raft of new products at the upcoming Drupa show, including the J-throne, a B2 LED-UV inkjet digital press that prints at up to 6,000sph.