Kawasaki promotes long-time executive
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) recently promoted one of its veteran executives. Rodger Howe, who spent 18 years in sales and marketing of the company’s consumer products, was appointed executive director of Kawasaki’s Engines and Power Products Division in Grand Rapids, Mich. Howe has held senior management positions with the division since 2005, most recently as senior director, operations.
“Rodger’s responsibilities have been broadened so that his valuable experience with the company can be applied in areas that will provide even greater support to our long-term growth goals,” said Fumihiro (Clint) Ohno, general manager.
Howe, who has held management positions in virtually every area of KMC activities — including sales, marketing and operations — will now add to his duties with responsibility for reviewing and developing long-range business plan needs and strategies. He will also concentrate on the development of cohesive succession planning within the division.
In addition, Howe will assume management oversight for the division’s human resources business needs and coordinate activities between the Grand Rapids divisional office and Kawasaki’s human resources group.
The new executive director will continue to support the general manager in areas key to the company’s ongoing direction and policies, according to Ohno.
