Toshitaka Uemura named European Head of Industrial Printing business; Kentaro Itamoto to replace Kiyotaka Suhara as new President of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH; appointments made to strengthen business strategy in Europe
Technology major Konica Minolta has named Toshitaka Uemura as the European Head of Industrial Printing (IP) business from 1 April 2025, reporting directly to the new President Kentaro Itamoto. Uemura will work closely with Rob Ferris, CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd., to strengthen the European IP business strategy.
The appointment comes at a crucial time as Konica Minolta continues to expand its IP business, which represents a significant growth opportunity for the company. With the debut launch of the AccurioJet 60000 at drupa 2024, a top-of-the-line model following the quality and technology of the AccurioJet KM-1/KM-1e series, combining impressive speeds (6,000 sph) and excellent image quality, the company is advancing further in the highspeed digital production market.
In the label printing segment, Konica Minolta is one of the two leading brands in digital label printing. With their strategic partner MGI Digital Technology, Konica Minolta represents pioneering digital transformation capabilities for their customers, from providing new sources of value through print embellishment such as foiling and varnishing up to a complete single-pass factory 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. Uemura’s extensive industry expertise and strong network within the IP business will be instrumental in driving faster market penetration, strategic partnerships, and new business opportunities in industrial printing.
Itamoto Succeeds Suhara as New Chief
This comes alongside another important management change at Konica Minolta. Effective 1 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, 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, Itamoto was responsible for establishing the regional office, achieving a doubling of the business within three years. During his tenure in North America, he 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 optimising human capital. As the new chief of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, Itamoto will drive the company’s commitment to customer-centricity and sustainable business growth.
