Magazine - New Kubota Managing Director

By Editor in Industry News on 4th Aug 2009 6:00

Following the achievement of a record breaking 2008 sales result, and a successful five years of service from Mr Hiromi Nakanishi, Kubota Tractor Australia (KTA) has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director – Mr Toshihiko (Toshi) Kawasaki

It is common practice for large multi-national Japanese corporations to move executives between countries and Kubota is no exception. Mr Kawasaki comes to Australia from the
USA where he managed the tractor business for Kubota Tractor Corporation. Mr Kawasaki returned to Kubota Corporation Japan in 2008 prior to his recent arrival at KTA’s head office in Melbourne.

Mr Kawasaki’s extensive knowledge in both Agricultural and Industrial markets will be a great asset to KTA and the organisation’s future development. He is especially looking forward to continuing to grow the Kubota name and build on a successful 32 year history in Australia.

“As Managing Director of KTA I believe in the importance of suppling a range of quality equipment through a professional distribution network. While it is vital for Kubota factories to manufacture products to the highest standard of quality, it is also very important that these products are sold and serviced by a strong group of competent dealers. While in Australia it is my intention to drive further developments and improvements in both these areas. This will involve importing equipment with specifications well suited to Australian conditions as well as providing our dealers with more support in terms of speedy delivery, product support and targeted sales incentives developed specifically with the customer in mind” Mr Kawasaki said

The appointment of Mr Kawasaki is the 8th posting of an international Kubota representative to fill the Managing Director’s chair at KTA. It’s a strategy that provides Kubota Australia with new knowledge on the world tractor market and brings new concepts and ideas to the organisation in the Australian and New Zealand market.

According to Mr Kawasaki the benefit of rotating Japanese Managing Directors ensures a fresh approach and avoids complacency. “Drawing on experiences in other parts of the world can provide additional benefits for customers and dealers as selected aspects of measures employed by Kubota distribution outlets overseas may be modified and introduced into Australia. For example, I have seen first hand how, being a true business partner with dealers maximizes sales potential. When dealers are well supported by suppliers both parties benefit. I believe developing a good relationship with dealers will improve sales outcomes. I therefore intend to direct my efforts in Australia towards assisting dealers as much as possible with their Kubota business.” Mr Kawasaki said.

Mr Kawasaki went on to say that although Australia was facing economic and climatic challenges he hand a strong belief quality brands such as Kubota would be sought out by customers in preference to cheaper offerings.


Kubota Tractor Australia is a leading supplier of a range of quality equipment including tractors, mowers, engines, generators, and excavators.

For further information, or the name of your nearest dealer, please ring freecall 1800-334-653, or log on to www.kubota.com.au.

Read more articles in Industry News, by Editor or from August 2009.