New OKI Europe MD eyes applications-driven growth

Tsukasa Takasawa, the new managing director of OKI Europe, has set out plans to transform the company into an applications-driven business, with a focus on pursuing growth in its key vertical markets.

Takasawa replaces Dennie Kawahara, who will now move back to the OKI Data Corporation business in order to assume responsibility for the organisation’s global transformation.
 
Having joined Oki Group in 2016 as chief executive of staff, Takasawa went on to serve as director and divisional general manager for the OKI Data Corporation’s Corporate Planning and Administration Divisions.
 
Speaking to FESPA.com about his new role as managing director, Takasawa said his main aim is to continue OKI Europe’s success and focus on innovation, with the overall goal of driving the business forward.
 
“There is tremendous growth potential for OKI Europe, particularly in strengthening our presence in niche and established vertical industry sectors,” Takasawa said.
 
“It is our pioneering spirit and ability to deliver innovative products to the market that will drive us forward. This can be seen in our current product portfolio that offers our customers ground-breaking printer technology with unrivalled media handling capabilities and outstanding colour quality.
 
“This allows us to provide these industry sectors a unique solution to address their day-to-day challenges of enhancing customer experience, satisfaction and loyalty, to help increase sales.”
 
Takasawa also told FESPA.com that he intends to retain a focus on OKI Europe developing new technology for the ‘print for profit’ sector, with the primary aim of helping its customers grow their own businesses.
 
“We’ll continue to focus on our pioneering industry print devices specifically targeted to the print for profit sector that are challenging the status quo of traditional print processes and enabling print houses and boutique businesses to grow their customer base, offer them new services and generate new revenue opportunities,” he said.
 
Prior to joining the OKI Group, Takasawa spent time as general manager at the Mizuho Bank and also held a number of senior roles within the finance sector. During his professional career, Takasawa has worked with more than 1,000 chief executives, chief financial officers and other directors of global enterprises.
 
“OKI’s pioneering digital applications focused printer technology, with unrivalled media handling capabilities and superb colour quality can really deliver considerable benefits to niche and established vertical industry sectors to enhance customer experience and increase their bottom line, making it an exciting time for the organisation,” Takasawa added in a statement.