Oude Meer, the Netherlands (April 2022) – Ushio Inc. (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Koji Naito; subsequently referred to as “Ushio”) has announced the appointment of Mr. Hiroki Kodaka as president of the Ushio Europe Group. Mr. Kodaka arrives as successor to Mr. Hideaki Onishi, who accepted the presidential position at fellow Ushio subsidiary, Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. Taking his new seat at the Netherlands-based headquarters, Mr. Kodaka assumed responsibility for Ushio’s EMEA operations from April 1, 2022, including Production, Research & Development, and Sales activities at Ushio’s facilities across Germany, Poland, France, and the United Kingdom.
Changing of the guard: Hideaki Onishi bids farewell to Ushio Europe Group colleagues
Handing over leadership after three years, Mr. Onishi shared his thoughts on his time in Europe, “Coming over here, I was very much open to accepting the cultures, characteristics, and ways of thinking in Europe. In doing so, I was able to form a bridge and continue the strong co-operation with the head office, in Japan. We were able to weather the storm during the coronavirus crisis and the rapid market changes brought with it. I asked everyone for fast, major changes and that call was answered faultlessly.
“I do not exaggerate when I say that I will treasure my time in Europe for the rest of my life, and having achieved my goals here, I can testify that the people here have shown a level of commitment that will be instrumental in helping Kodaka-san achieve his goals.”
President Kodaka: a profile of the new Ushio Europe Group president
Already in his thirteenth year at Ushio, Mr. Kodaka brings a wealth of valuable expertise, not least in the field of semiconductor, printed circuit board (PCB), and healthcare electronics. Over the course of his studies at the University of Tokyo, Mr. Kodaka received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, before completing his Ph.D. with a thesis on superconductive circuitry. Beginning his professional career in 1999, he spent seven years developing commercial photo-printers for the renowned FUJIFILM Corporation, followed by three years applying his skills at two start-up enterprises.
With ten years of experience under his belt, Mr. Kodaka joined Ushio, Inc., in 2009. His first assignment focused on the development of UV-C polarizers for optical alignment equipment used in the manufacture of LCDs, which ultimately brought his new employers an overwhelming share of the market. Following up that success, Mr. Kodaka was placed in charge of New Business Development for life sciences, industrial processes, and developing innovative technologies, before becoming the executive officer of Ushio’s corporate Research & Development department, in 2018.
President Hiroki Kodaka outlines his management style and future goals for Ushio Europe
On accepting his new position, Mr. Kodaka congratulated his predecessor, “In spite of the difficult pandemic conditions, Onishi-san leaves a solid foundation which paves our way to a bright future. I greatly appreciate his contribution and that of the Ushio Europe Group’s employees. Onishi-san will surely be a credit to his new team over in the U.S.
“As we move forward, it is my mission to push our European operations to tackle social concerns, such as global warming, food issues, and extending healthy life with optical technology. As for the business itself, I like to think well in advance, by digesting facts and data, rather than past experiences. As Onishi-san has already suggested, when we decide to execute new phases of our plans, I have the utmost confidence that I can put my trust in my new colleagues and we will boldly proceed together.”
Press enquiries regarding Ushio’s operations within the EMEA region, and the appointment of President Kodaka, may be directed to Ms. Agata Michalak by email: marketing@ushio.eu.