SATO (satoworldwide.com), a  global provider of Auto-ID solutions that empower workforces and streamline operations, appoints Goro Yumiba as executive head of North America. Yumiba will also head SATO’s U.S. subsidiaries SATO America LLC. and SATO Global Solutions Inc. as chairman and CEO with current president Michael Beedles reporting to him.

As executive head of North America, Yumiba will be responsible for overall management of SATO’s North America business, strengthening its core Auto-ID and data capture business while advancing IoT solutions development.

The appointment is in line with the company’s management plan to pursue global growth, bringing half of its revenue from overseas markets by 2020. Currently revenue outside of Japan accounts for 40% of the total. North America has key strategic importance for the SATO Group in driving software development to deliver integrated IoT solutions.

Yumiba holds a BA in Economics from Keio University in Japan and brings more than 35 years of experience in developing and managing international business for Japanese companies. In multiple positions at Canon spanning over 20 years, he was based in Japan, Europe and the U.S. Prior to joining SATO, he served as executive advisor for Miura America, a leading manufacturer of steam boiler systems. During his tenure at Miura, he held multiple leadership positions in marketing, sales and operations and contributed to the company’s expansion in the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. He opened three new offices in the U.S. and grew business in Latin America, opening local offices.

“It is my mission to spearhead SATO’s growth in North America and bolster our solutions capabilities worldwide,” explains Yumiba. “It is an exciting moment to be in the Auto-ID industry in light of booming IoT technologies. I will leverage SATO’s corporate culture that emphasizes on-site creativity to deliver solutions that provide precision, labor and resource savings, peace of mind and environmental protection for customers.”

“I am excited to bring Goro on board at SATO,” says Kaz Matsuyama, president and CEO of SATO Holdings. “He has the global mindset we value as well as proven leadership managing international business and extensive knowledge of sales and marketing. These strengths will benefit SATO tremendously to help us boost our global presence, which is of the utmost importance for the Group.”