Komatsu's new CEO

Komatsu's current President & CEO, Masahiro Sakane will become Chairman of the Japanese equipment maker's Board from June. At the same time Kunio Noji, currently a director and senior executive of Komatsu, will take over from Mr Sakane in the top executive role.

Mr Noji joined Komatsu in 1969 and was made a director in 1997. He is currently president of the production division.

Aged 60, Mr Noji is married with two daughters, and lists his interests as “golfing and mountain climbing.”

Mr Sakane turned 66 in January, and has worked for Komatsu since 1963. He was made a director in 1989, and has held positions of increasing responsibility, including four years with Komatsu Dresser in the US, before being made president in June 2001. The title of CEO was added in June 2003.

He will replace Toshitaka Hagiwara as Komatsu's Chairman. Mr Hagiwara will be retained as a senior advisor to the company.