Yanmar Marine International appoints new president

Yanmar has announced the appointment of Taro Kitamura as the new President of Yanmar Marine International (YMI) and head of Yanmar’s Recreational Marine Business Unit.

Effective from 1 April, the 30-year company veteran will replace current YMI President Shiori Nagata, who has been promoted within Yanmar Holdings after overseeing a strong five-year period of growth for the Netherlands-based recreational marine division.

Taro joined Yanmar head office in 1990 as Procurement Buyer, moving to the International Procurement Office at Yanmar Europe and then Yanmar Italy from 2000 to 2005 before completing 10 years with Yanmar Co. Ltd. as Procurement Manager. After spending the last three years as Group Divisional Manager Procurement based in Osaka, he is now relocating to the Netherlands following the appointment.

With extensive Yanmar experience in strategic and cross-cultural management, supplier development and production process analysis, and a background in metallurgical engineering, Taro also brings an enthusiasm for boating to his new role and enjoys spending time on his own boat with his family.

Taro says: “I am honoured to be appointed as the new President and feel especially privileged to be joining the marine division at such an exciting time.

“The next challenge will be to develop the Yanmar brand to ensure it is associated across the world with offering exciting and fulfilling experiences, as well as technologically advanced products. We also feel there is a great opportunity in the Asia Pacific area, where the marine recreational sector is still limited compared to the rest of the world. By utilising the resources and capabilities of the YMI organisation and recreating our current business collaborations that are thriving in Europe and the US, we will be focusing on expanding our business in the region.”