Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe Appoints Takemichi Hirakawa as Managing Director

30 Second Takeaway

Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe has named Takemichi Hirakawa as its new managing director. A 35-year Kobelco veteran with deep experience in the crane division and international leadership roles, Hirakawa succeeds Makoto Kato, who steps down after 13 years building and expanding the company’s European operations.

Leadership Transition at Kobelco Europe

Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe has appointed Takemichi Hirakawa as its new managing director. He succeeds Makoto Kato, who is stepping down after leading the European business for the past 13 years.

Hirakawa has served as Kato’s deputy since July 2025, following three years as chief executive of Kobelco India. His appointment reflects continuity in leadership as the company continues to expand its presence across Europe.

Extensive Kobelco and Crane Industry Experience

A 35-Year Career Across Global Markets

Takemichi Hirakawa joined Kobe Steel’s Construction Machinery division in Tokyo in 1991. Over the next three decades, he built extensive experience across Kobelco’s crane and construction machinery operations.

In 2004, he joined the Kobelco Crane division as overseas sales manager, before relocating to the Netherlands in 2007 as deputy managing director of Kobelco Cranes Europe. Two years later, he was promoted to managing director, marking his first leadership role in Europe.

Following his initial European tenure, Hirakawa returned to Japan as general manager for planning and administration within the Kobelco Cranes business. In 2015, he moved to Singapore as managing director of Kobelco Cranes South East Asia, later assuming the role of managing director of Kobelco International.

In 2018, Hirakawa returned to Tokyo as general manager of sales and administration for Kobelco Construction Machinery, overseeing both crane and excavator businesses, before relocating to India in 2022 to lead Kobelco India.

Makoto Kato’s Legacy in Europe

Building Kobelco’s European Presence

Outgoing managing director Makoto Kato established the current Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe operation and has led the business since its formation 13 years ago. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant growth, expanded its dealer network, and, since 2018, incorporated Kobelco crane sales for the European region.

More recently, Kobelco Europe relocated to a new purpose-built headquarters and technical centre in Lelystad, further strengthening its operational and customer support capabilities.

In a company statement, Kobelco said:

“Makoto Kato’s dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence have played a pivotal role in elevating the business to new heights. As the founder of Kobelco Construction Machinery in Europe, he leaves a lasting legacy to its employees, dealer network and partners.”

Kato added:

“It has been a true privilege to lead the company for the past 13 years. Together, we have built the presence of the brand in Europe from the ground up, laying a robust foundation for sustainable growth that will further strengthen Kobelco’s position as one of the leading brands in the industry.”

Leadership Outlook

Continuing Growth and Stability

Commenting on his appointment, Hirakawa acknowledged Kato’s contribution and outlined his focus for the future.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Kato for his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication to the success of the Kobelco brand in Europe. His leadership and guidance have been instrumental in driving our business forward and establishing a solid foundation for future growth.

“I am honoured to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation that has already been laid. I look forward to working with this incredible team in Europe in order to carry our shared vision forward.”

About Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe

Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe is responsible for the sales, marketing, and support of Kobelco construction equipment and cranes across the European region. The company supports customers through a growing dealer network and operates from its headquarters and technical centre in Lelystad, the Netherlands.

Website: https://www.kobelco-europe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been appointed as the new managing director of Kobelco Europe?

Takemichi Hirakawa has been appointed managing director of Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe.

Who is stepping down from the role?

Makoto Kato is stepping down after leading the European business for 13 years.

What experience does Takemichi Hirakawa bring to the role?

Hirakawa brings 35 years of experience within Kobe Steel and Kobelco, with extensive leadership roles across crane and construction machinery businesses in Europe, Asia, and India.

What were Makoto Kato’s key achievements in Europe?

He established and grew Kobelco’s European operations, expanded crane sales across the region, and led the move to new headquarters and a technical centre in Lelystad.

Where is Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe headquartered?

The company is headquartered in Lelystad, the Netherlands.