Hiraki takes over from Yuji Ikeda who has returned to Japan to serve as a general manager at Mimaki Engineering's Global Marketing department.
Hiraki began his career at Mimaki in 1997 as a sales representative for the CF-series plotters. Over the past 20 years he has risen through the ranks and has held a number of senior positions, helping to increase Mimaki’s sales in new and emerging markets.
He joined the board of directors in 2019 with management responsibilities for Mimaki Europe. Mimaki said his appointment to managing director of the region this year “reflects his commitment to the organisation and enthusiasm for this diverse, innovative, and successful part of the Mimaki business”.
Hiraki said: “From very humble beginnings in a prefab building and one of only 180 employees selling cutting plotters and CAD plotters, my Mimaki journey has been one of industry innovations, technology breakthroughs and significant growth.
“My goal as MD for Mimaki Europe is to further develop relationships with our partners and customers to meet the evolving local needs of these businesses and take Mimaki Europe into its next phase of success.”
Mimaki Europe has also appointed Ryosuke Nakayama as executive assistant to Hiraki. Nakayama joined Mimaki Engineering in 2012 and has held a variety of marketing, sales and product management roles worldwide.
Ikeda commented, “In Hiraki and Nakayama, Mimaki Europe is adding two accomplished and highly qualified team members. I am confident that Hiraki will lead this newly bolstered team to achieve great things in the months ahead, despite the unprecedented and challenging situation we have all faced this year. I wish him and Mimaki Europe every success.”
The appointment of a new managing director at Mimaki Europe is part of a general organisation restructuring undertaken by Mimaki Engineering. Ikeda's new position sees him take responsibility for formulating global sales and marketing strategies and new product planning. He will also maintain his position as Executive Officer at Mimaki Engineering.
