  Hirokazu Iyota -Personal History- Graduated from the Engineering Department of Osaka University in 1960 and joined Kinki Nihon Railways, Ltd. Named Managing Director of Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd. in 1996, Senior Managing Director in 1998 and Vice President in 2001. Assumed the post of President on June 27, 2002. Born in Osaka Prefecture. Age: 64 |
Most
of the past presidents of Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd. were from the former
Japanese National Railways, but the new president is from the Kintetsu
(Kinki Nihon Railways) Group. As there are signs of recovery in business
performance and having risen to the top from within the Kintetsu Group,
there are great expectations placed on his abilities. He says, "The new presidents of many companies are in 50s, and I feel rather awkward as I am in my 60s. Now, I feel it is a great responsibility to carry out my duties. However, I will make every effort to work for the successful management of the company utilizing my experience." He has worked in various engineering divisions since he was in Kinki Nihon Railways, Ltd. He is not eloquent, but he exudes a love of technology. "Railways are for the public. So, Kinki Sharyo should be a company that is able to contribute to society. To be more precise, I would like to improve railway-related technologies and strengthen its ability not only to manufacture to our customers' specifications, but also to offer them our unique technologies. As we export our rolling stock abroad, we must strengthen out ability to compete with foreign manufacturers." The company has made good progress in restructuring the Construction Material Division, which was ran a deficit for the past several years. However, there are still many management tasks facing its main business, the Rolling Stock Division, as well as other divisions. "As we have concentrated on manufacturing, the Construction Material Division is expected to become profitable (in operating income) in the current business period. On the other hand, the main objective of the rolling stock business is to lower costs. We are procuring some parts from foreign countries, including China, but in addition to this, we have started the joint purchase of parts with other manufacturers in Japan, including Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Even though the cost reductions may be small, we will continue these activities." One of his hobbies is reading and he has recently become absorbed in speed-reading. In addition to being able to read his favorite books on management and other subjects quickly, he likes it because it is "good for my eyes." He also likes outdoor sports such as golf and skiing. The last time he went skiing was two years ago. "Even now I have the confidence to ski well," he says. He still feels young. |
| July 29, 2002 Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun, Ltd. All rights are reserved by THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD. |
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