Apr 01, 2016
SATO, a leading global provider of Auto-ID solutions that empower workforces and streamline operations, announced the appointment of Ryutaro Kotaki today as Chief Operations Officer (COO). The personnel move represents a strategic move to consolidate executive oversight of domestic and overseas operations.
As COO, Mr. Kotaki will be tasked primarily with overseeing SATO’s Japan business, and he will provide executive oversight of sales, product development and manufacturing. The COO position was previously held by CEO Kaz Matsuyama, who will now focus primarily on overseas businesses.
Mr. Kotaki, a 28 year veteran of SATO, was also named President of SATO Corporation and retains the position of SATO Holdings Vice President. Mr. Kotaki has a long history in sales and has been in charge of improvements across key SATO business areas of R&D and manufacturing since 2012.
“This is a turning point for SATO,” said Kaz Matsuyama, President and CEO of SATO Holdings. “I have the utmost confidence that by having Ryutaro oversee sales, product development and manufacturing for Japan will help us drive synergy and speed up our business plan.”
On his new role, Mr. Kotaki commented, “My mission is to accelerate the execution of the business plan, fostering dynamic teamwork across departments and the Group to achieve and surpass targets. I hope to change the mindset of our employees and go back to basics with a customer-driven focus that strives to offer integrated solutions.”