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

  • Hyundai aims to be in top three of construction equipment manufacturers
    January 6, 2017
    Hyundai Heavy Industries has ambitious plans to grow from a US$3.7 billion a year business to more than $9.5 billion by 2016. At the worldwide launch of its new flagship R1200-9 (120tonne-class) excavator at INTERMAT, the company unveiled plans to expand its manufacturing facilities and said it wants to move into the top three construction equipment manufacturers. Underlining its intention of competing on a broad front in all sectors of the construction and mining equipment business, Hyundai’s introduction
  • Hyundai aims to be in top three of construction equipment manufacturers
    April 17, 2012
    Hyundai Heavy Industries has ambitious plans to grow from a US$3.7 billion a year business to more than $9.5 billion by 2016. At the worldwide launch of its new flagship R1200-9 (120tonne-class) excavator at INTERMAT, the company unveiled plans to expand its manufacturing facilities and said it wants to move into the top three construction equipment manufacturers. Underlining its intention of competing on a broad front in all sectors of the construction and mining equipment business, Hyundai’s introduction
  • Hannes Norrgren takes over as new Volvo Penta president 
    October 26, 2022
    Hannes Norrgren has been appointed president of Volvo Penta's industrial business unit and a member of the company's executive management group.
  • Don't buy, subscribe instead... and stay ahead of the pack
    September 19, 2024
    The traditional way of doing things is to own the construction equipment you need on site. You can buy, or you can rent. You mix and match your technology needs with what is happening on site and your costs go up and down accordingly. However, a new model is emerging: Subscriptions. Take out a flat-fee plan and let someone else make sure you can get access to the latest thinking and the cleverest technology. Pete Kennedy reports.