Katsuyuki (Kent) Murakami, general manager of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.'s Engines and Power Products Division, announced he will retire effective the end of this year. He will be replaced by Yoshiteru (Yoshi) Ueda, who headed the research and development program at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.'s Maryville, Mo., production facility. Ueda has been with Kawasaki Heavy Industries since 1972.
Murakami, who joined Kawasaki in 1965, has overseen the growth of operations in Grand Rapids since 1995. Under his management, Kawasaki has broadened its industry presence in numerous areas, including an expansion of engine offerings that now includes three dozen powerplants suitable for a wide range of commercial applications. The Kawasaki-branded handheld power products catalogue has grown to include 32 units serving commercial landscaping needs with string trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, hedge clippers, and edgers.
Kawasaki services customers through a network of over 8,000 independent dealers in the U.S. and Canada.
Jimmy Johnson was named fungicide business manager for the Green Business group of Bayer Environmental Science, the company recently announced. In his new position, he will also serve as the Bayer golf industry lead.
Johnson has more than 25 years experience in the turf and ornamental and crop- protection industries. For the past six years, Johnson was a golf sales representative for Bayer, covering Missouri, Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas and Nebraska at various times. Before that, he was an insecticide product manager for Bayer CropScience.
Previously, Johnson was turf and ornamental marketing manager for Novartis (Ciba) in Greensboro, N.C. He also was a turf sales representative for Ciba, covering Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky. Before that, he worked in crop chemical sales for Ciba, first in Texas and then in Kansas.
BASF Turf & Ornamentals announced it has appointed Randy Lusher as Sales Specialist for Illinois and Wisconsin. Lusher will help distributors, golf course superintendents, nursery and greenhouse growers, and lawn care operators select science-based solutions to grow healthy plants and turf.
Prior to joining the Turf & Ornamentals team, Lusher held a Sales Specialist position with BASF Professional Vegetation Management. During the 24 years he worked with ProVM, Lusher used his wealth of practical experience to build strong relationships with his customers in the roadside, aquatic and utility markets.
“Randy’s years of exceptional service to BASF customers will be a great asset for us,” said Dr. Toni Bucci, BASF Turf & Ornamentals Business Manager. “We’re happy to add an experienced leader to the sales team for support in the Midwest.”
Toyota Material Handling Chairman and CEO Dr. Shankar Basu today announced the appointment of Brett Wood to president, effective immediately. Basu, outgoing president, has been influential in catapulting the company to its No. 1 lift truck supplier ranking and will remain active in the company serving as CEO and taking on the new role of chairman. Basu also continues to serve on the TMHU board and as a director on the Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM) board of directors. Wood will now serve on the TMHU board as well.
“Brett Wood brings a unique mix of hands-on experience across many facets of our business, including dealer relations, product development, strategic planning and marketing,” said Basu. “His loyal devotion to Toyota and deep expertise in the lift truck market make him the ideal candidate for the job. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with him to lead TMHU into the future.”
Teserra, a leading builder in pools, spas and landscaping, is proud to announce that Angie Hill has joined the company as manager of sales.
In addition to heading the Teserra sales department, Hill will also oversee the team's design personnel here in the valley.
“I am pleased to join this terrific group of people as I embark on a new, exciting chapter of my life,” says Hill. “Teserra has a wonderful reputation of quality and integrity, and I am honored to be able to play a part in this tradition of excellence.”
Hill brings extensive expertise in the realm of sales and marketing, along with a broad scope of knowledge in the design arena. Hill was previously the sales and marketing manager for Trilogy at La Quinta, a design manager for Shea Homes in the Southern California region, design manager for Del Webb, Sun City, design manager for the Rancho La Quinta Country Club and Sunrise Company. Teserra President and CEO James Harebottle says he is thrilled to have Hill on board.
Chuck Easton has joined Phoenix Environmental Care as Midwest Sales Associate. He will be responsible for sales in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. “Chuck’s 25 years of industry experience makes him an ideal choice to help us continue our growth and maintain our commitment to superior customer service” says Owen Towne, president of Phoenix Environmental Care.
Easton has spent his career in sales, marketing and technical services with a focus on market development. “He knows and understands the operational side of the golf and lawn care industry from an end user perspective,” says Towne. “In addition, he understands the needs of distributors and end users in this key region.”
David Stahlman has been named vice president of global marketing for Doosan Infracore Portable Power. In his new capacity, Stahlman is responsible for strategic marketing initiatives worldwide for the full line of Ingersoll Rand branded portable equipment such as portable air compressors, mobile
generators, lighting systems, concrete equipment and light compaction
equipment.
"Dave brings 14 years of progressive industry experience to his new position,"
said Shawn Sweet, president of Doosan Infracore Portable Power. "His strong
leadership combined with his solid understanding of product development and
market trends will have an immediate impact on our business marketing
strategy."
Strata Systems announced that Elizabeth (Liz) Nicholson has been appointed its Sales Manager for the U.S.West Coast Region.
A graduate of Sacramento State University, Nicholson has developed expertise within the segmental retaining wall industry. As the former Sales Manager of a geogrid manufacturer located on the West coast, she brings over five years of geosynthetics experience to Strata Systems, along with a high-energy, customer focused attitude.
“Liz Nicholson’s experience working with civil engineers, distributors and earthwork contractors gives her keen insight into the soil reinforcement challenges facing Strata’s customers,” said Chip Fuller, President of Strata Systems.
Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting announced the appointment of Brent Burke as Technical Specialist for the Florida region.
Burke will be responsible for implementation of Vista’s educational programs throughout the state. He will work closely with Vista’s distributors in conducting Vista’s Light Your Way to More Profits seminar series for new and experienced landscape lighting contractors. In addition, he will provide active customer support including lighting designs, technical expertise and lighting demonstrations.
“Brent is an experienced veteran of our industry. His more than 25 years of hands-on knowledge and extensive relationships among professional contractors make him uniquely qualified to educate and mentor contractors in the region.” Said Rick Baird, National Sales Manager. “Adding Brent to our team further strengthens our commitment to be a leader in customer support.”