Skip to main content

Hitachi Europe appoints new CEO & president

Makoto Yamazawa has taken over as president and CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe (HCME). Having joined Hitachi straight out of university, Yamazawa has had a long and varied career within the firm and said, “My first position was as a domestic sales rep.” The role in Europe is a challenging one as HCME sells machines into 40 countries, while its equipment ranges from small rental products right up to the large mining trucks and shovels. Yamazawa has considerable experience of Hitachi’s mining e
April 13, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Yamazawa: new president and CEO for Europe
Makoto Yamazawa has taken over as president and CEO of 233 Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe (HCME). Having joined Hitachi straight out of university, Yamazawa has had a long and varied career within the firm and said, “My first position was as a domestic sales rep.”

The role in Europe is a challenging one as HCME sells machines into 40 countries, while its equipment ranges from small rental products right up to the large mining trucks and shovels. Yamazawa has considerable experience of Hitachi’s mining equipment range having headed up that business for 10 years. He said this is one sector he has already identified as having major potential and commented, “I think I could do something with our mining machines in Africa and the Middle East.”

However, he is also keen to build on the firm’s strong existing market share for excavators, as well as developing sales of the smaller rental machines. The firm’s financial figures are due to be released at the end of April and Yamazawa said, “I can’t disclose these now.”

During the year, Hitachi also has an intensive programme scheduled for key product launches, while the firm will build on its existing network and further develop its coverage. Yamazawa said, “In 2016 we will continue to roll out our Stage IV products and we will continue to expand our dealer network.” He added that additions to the network includes coverage for Serbia.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Caterpillar’s hybrid excavator uses evolutionary technology
    September 27, 2013
    Caterpillar’s hybrid excavator represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary technology - Mike Woof reports One of the key things to understand about Caterpillar’s hybrid excavator is that its fuel savings come not from a single technology, but from a range of features that have been integrated together. The sophisticated engine works hand in hand with the advanced hydraulics, with electronics governing the whole operation and optimising efficiency. And while none of these technologies is new in it
  • Market bullish at bauma China 2016 exhibition
    February 1, 2017
    Key manufacturers reported a return to business confidence in China at the recent bauma China 2016 construction equipment exhibition The event was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) and attracted 170,000 visitors from 149 countries, despite the cold weather and constant rain that plagued its first two days. The healthy attendance is a reflection of the gradually improving Chinese market. The Chinese economy suffered a slump in business levels in recent years, following a boom per
  • Fayat Group’s bullish outlook based on strong results
    April 26, 2018
    Jean Claude Fayat, president of the family-owned Fayat Group, said that the construction sector is now seeing strong performance, and this is helping group turnover. The road maintenance market is one business segment that is particularly healthy for the group at present. The Intermat show in Paris has also been good, with visitor numbers and customer enquiries noticeably up for 2018 compared with the show three years ago. He commented that visitors have also had a strong international profile and said: “I
  • Interviews round-up
    March 19, 2012
    Investment in infrastructure is a key priority for the US. With a three-part growth strategy, business improving worldwide and improvements in order books, the Terex Group is looking to increase net sales to US$8 billion by 2013. Ron DeFeo, Terex’s chief operating officer, said the company has been seeing increased order and quotation activity across nearly all of its product categories.