OKI makes key staff changes

OKI Europe has made a number of new senior appointments as it seeks new revenue streams and as it continues to “enhance its vertical solutions portfolio”.

Marzio Gobbato - VP for OKI Europe’s south region - has been appointed as OKI Europe deputy managing director, reporting to Dennie Kawahara, who continues as managing director. Gobbato, who has held a series of senior positions within the print industry including at Samsung and HP, is tasked with ensuring sales and marketing across the region is fully aligned with OKI’s global strategy. OKI Europe’s regional teams will report directly to him. Until his replacement is appointed, Gobbato will also retain responsibility for the south region. Shu Watanabe moves from his position as head of the wide format business unit to become vice president industry print, reporting to Gobbato and charged with focussing on sales and marketing initiatives to help achieve revenue and profit targets. Chiharu Asai, formerly marketing director, becomes vice president corporate planning. Predecessor Susumu Miura has been made vice president operations and special projects. Koichiro (Ken) Fukano, previously vice president, operations for OKI Europe, is appointed vice president marketing and supply chain management, reporting to Gobbato. “Modern business tactics and trends require a new approach and way of thinking and OKI Europe’s new leadership team reinforces our determination to ensure we are supporting customers to quickly adapt to this” said Kawahara. “The breadth of experience and wide-ranging expertise of the new management team will help align the organisation and place us in a strong position to meet all the challenges of a fast-changing market.”