He succeeds Mikihiko Maeno in the post from 1 January 2008, who is retiring from the position but will remain with the company as an advisor.

Sugimoto plans to "enhance the synergy" within the OKI Group during his tenure and to promote "further expansion of the printer business".

He also proposes to advance the group's research and development and oversee a "rapid expansion as the core business of OKI Group's global business".

Sugimoto, who has been with OKI since 1970, will remain in his current post of managing director of the company and maintain responsibility for OKI Electrics' overseas business development, research and development programmes.

Also retiring from OKI Printing Solutions is Minoru Mizutani from the position of senior managing director. He will join OKI Information Systems as president and chief executive.