Synthetic Paper Company Appoints New CEO

Akeo Sawayama is the new director and chief executive officer of synthetic paper manufacturer, Yupo Corporation America, succeed Masahiko Yano, who has retired.

Sawayama is now responsible for driving Yupo Corporation's strategic growth in the commercial and technical paper markets in North and South America.

That development has included structural reorganisation, capacity enhancements, capital investments and additions to product lines to add value for customers in the graphic communications, converting, packaging, and labelling industries, said the company.

Sawayama has joined Yupo Corporation America from its parent company, Yupo Corporation (Tokyo) in Japan, which claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of synthetic paper.

He has three decades of experience working with Yupo.

Prior to his new role, he served as general manager of the Technical Research and Development Division and was a member of the board.

Masahiko Yano held the lead role at Yupo Corporation America since 2004 following a career at Mitsubishi Chemical Europe and Mitsubishi Petrochemical.

Sawayama's appointment complements additional changes to the company's executive leadership in Tokyo.

Satoru Hattori has been promoted to managing director and general manager of the Research Development Division at Yupo in Japan) having joined the company from Mitsubishi Chemical MKV where he was managing director.

Commenting, Sawayama said: "Yupo Corporation has experienced considerable growth in the Americas over the past decade.

I am committed to continuing this trend through a focus on the company's core strengths of innovation, forward thinking and customer service excellence." Yupo Corporation has also announced the retirement of Hiroyashi Yamada and Yozo Ohba.

Yamada was senior managing director and general manager of the Research Division and Ohba was its managing director.

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