Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH announces two key leadership appointments, reinforcing its commitment to customer-centricity and business expansion in the European market.
Kentaro Itamoto Appointed as President of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe
Effective from 1st April, 2025, Kentaro Itamoto will assume the role of President of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH, succeeding Kiyotaka Suhara. Since joining Konica Minolta Inc. in 2002, Kentaro Itamoto has played a key role in shaping strategy and operations across sales and business planning in various leadership positions.
He has held management positions in various regions, including the Middle East, North America and Japan.In the Middle East, he was responsible for establishing the regional office, doubling the business within three years. During his tenure in North America, Kentaro Itamoto played a pivotal role in five successful mergers and acquisitions, successfully strengthening the company’s direct sales operations. Upon his return to Japan in 2019, he led various global projects, including global talent development and the enhancement of productivity in corporate functions.
Currently, as General Manager of the Corporate Planning Division at Konica Minolta, Inc., he is spearheading strategic initiatives in the mid-term business plan and leading global structural reforms, with a focus on optimizing human capital.
As the new President of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, Kentaro Itamoto will drive the company’s commitment to customer-centricity and sustainable business growth.
Toshitaka Uemura to Lead European Industrial Printing Business
Additionally, Konica Minolta is pleased to announce that, effective from 1st April 2025, Toshitaka Uemura will take on the role of European Head of Industrial Printing (IP) Business. Reporting directly to Kentaro Itamoto, he will be working closely with Rob Ferris, CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd., to strengthen the European IP business strategy.
This appointment comes at a crucial time as Konica Minolta continues to expand its Industrial Printing business, which represents a significant growth opportunity for the company. With the first showcase of the AccurioJet 60000 at drupa 2024, a high-end model that builds on the quality and technology of the AccurioJet KM-1/KM-1e series, offering impressive speeds (6,000 sph) and excellent image quality, the company is advancing further in the highspeed digital production market.
Konica Minolta is also one of the two leading brands in digital label printing. With its strategic partner MGI Digital Technology, Konica Minolta represents pioneering digital transformation capabilities for its customers, offering new sources of value through print embellishment, such as foiling and varnishing, up to a complete single-pass factory solution with the MGI AlphaJet. The change in leadership will enable Konica Minolta to strengthen its competitive position, drive innovation and develop new revenue streams in the coming years. Toshitaka Uemura’s extensive industry expertise and strong network within the Industrial Printing sector will be instrumental in accelerating market penetration, fostering strategic partnerships, and creating new business opportunities.
Konica Minolta extends a warm welcome to both Kentaro Itamoto and Toshitaka Uemura in their new roles and looks forward to their leadership in driving the company’s continued growth and transformation in Europe.