Sato appoints technology and innovation leader

Suzuki has 35-plus years of experience with numerous companies in Japan and the US. In addition to Japanese manufacturers like Konica Corporation and Kobe Steel, he has professional experience at companies including Polaroid and Brooks Automation. He was also vice president at Zink Imaging, a full-color printing technology venture spun out from Polaroid, and led R&D and business development for its inkless printing technology.

The CTIO position has been created with the mission of accelerating commercialization of the company’s in-line digital printing business and growth of future core businesses.

Sato acquired the in-line digital printing business and added it as a core pillar to its mid-term plan in 2017. The group set as its objective to establish sustainable growth and profitability of its ‘revolutionary materials’ business comprising Econano and the in-line digital printing color-change pigment.

Suzuki reports directly to Sato Holdings president and CEO, Kaz Matsuyama, who said: ‘Bringing on seasoned professionals like Atsushi Suzuki helps us execute our mid-term plan by generating synergy between existing solutions and new technologies like in-line digital printing.

‘As the world around us changes rapidly, it is a matter of corporate survival that we innovate to stay ahead.’

Suzuki added: ‘My mission is to commercialize the in-line digital printing technology with speed. I am confident I can utilize my background in business and tech development to contribute to sustainable growth for the Sato Group. I believe Sato’s business culture of “ceaseless creativity” aligns with my own and I am committed to driving innovation that meets the needs of modern customers.’