Denso has made several executive management changes. The changes have come as an effort to support the expansion and growth of the North American region, Denso said.
Among company changes is the retirement of Hikaru “Howard” Sugi from CEO of Denso International America Inc. (DIAM) and Denso’s North American board of directors. Sugi will now serve as North American chairman emeritus.
Sadahiro “Sam” Usui will replace Sugi as chairman of the company’s board as well as CEO of DIAM. Usui will be located in Southfield, Mich., where he will oversee the North American group companies and affiliates. This appointment is addition to his current role as executive director of Denso Corp.
In addition to his current role as chief operating officer of DIAM and executive director of Denson, Kazumasa “Kaz” Kimura will now serve as president of DIAM. In this position he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of business related to OEM customers for Denso in the Americas.
Other changes include Doug Patton’s promotion to executive vice president of DIAM’s Engineering Division and the appointment of Jack Helmbolt to executive director for Denso Corp.
Patton will oversee operation at the development facilities testing and technical services, engineering administration and product engineering. Helmbolt, who is also president and CEO of Denso Manufacturing Tennessee, will be responsible for developing overall strategy and direction of the North American information and safety business as well as assisting with Denso’s manufacturing strategy.
