DENSO Corp. has named Haruhiko “Hal” Kato president of DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. (DPAM), the aftermarket sales, manufacturing and distribution arm of the global automotive supplier. Kato succeeds Yoshihiko Yamada, who retired after 38 years with the corporation.
An engineer by training, Kato joined DENSO in 1986 after earning his bachelor’s degree from Kobe University and began his career in air conditioning systems research and development. He has held various positions of increasing responsibility within the corporation’s global network, including overseas assignments at DENSO International Asia Pte. Ltd. in Singapore from 1995 to 2001 and DENSO Europe B.V. in Amsterdam from 2001 to 2006.
In 2012, Kato became general manager of the aftermarket business and product development group of DENSO’S Climate, Heating and Cooling Product Division at corporate headquarters in Kariya, Japan. In April 2015, Kato relocated to Southern California to join DPAM as the company’s senior executive coordinator.
“DENSO is a trusted brand synonymous with superior quality, value and customer service,” Kato said. “It is my goal to lead the DPAM team in advancing products and services that build on our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs in a manner that improves quality of life for all people.”
As president of DPAM, Kato will oversee 470 employees at the company’s facilities in Long Beach and Murrieta, California. His duties include managing the sales, manufacturing and distribution operations of all groups under DPAM: DENSO Light Vehicle Parts, Commercial & Heavy Duty, MovinCool, Robotics and Automated Data Capture (ADC) devices.
