Business News
SAKATA INX, INX International Announce Management Promotions
Wednesday 05. August 2009 - With the retirement of Hiroshi Ota from the Board of Directors of both SAKATA INX and INX International, Dr. Kotaro Morita has been promoted to Mr. Otas position as Director of SAKATAs International Operation Division and Chairman of the Board of INX International. Filling Dr. Moritas role as Chief Technical Officer, Director of Research and Development for INX International is Yuichi Kataura, who will also serve as Senior Vice President on the INX Board of Directors.
Dr. Morita has made many significant contributions with his management skills and technical expertise. His research work in the development of commercial heat set and sheetfed inks contributed to a growth in market share and provided the industry with products that are considered Best in Class. His many technical contributions were recognized recently by NAPIM and with the 2007 NPIRI Technical Achievement Award, the highest honor in the ink industry.
Dr. Morita succeeds Mr. Ota, whose vision and support helped guide and grow the company. Under his leadership, the company expanded into Europe in recent years with the acquisitions of INX France, Triangle Digital, Megaink and Anteprima. Recently honored by NAPIM with the Printing Ink Pioneer Award that recognized his 40-plus years in the industry, Mr. Ota will continue supporting SAKATAs international business as an advisor.
In accepting his new role at INX International, Kataura has more than 20 years experience working at SAKATA INX Research and Development group to rely on. He joined the company in 1988 after earning his Engineering degree and has held a variety of management positions in Japan, most recently serving as Manager of Research Department No. 1. Mr. Kataura will work at the Research and Development facility of INX International in West Chicago, Illinois.
“With this change overseas, Dr. Morita will be traveling more extensively. As INX Chairman, he will also oversee and direct all of SAKATAs facilities outside of Japan,” said Rick Clendenning, President and CEO of INX International Ink Co. “INX is very fortunate to have someone with the experience, capability and expertise that Mr. Kataura has to offer. Im looking forward to working with and supporting him in his new role with our organization.”