LIXIL International to strengthen cross-regional collaboration and innovation with new appointments

LIXIL International to strengthen cross-regional collaboration and innovation with new appointments

LIXIL Group, maker of pioneering water and housing products, announced new leadership appointments for LIXIL International, a virtual structure that covers all LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) and LIXIL Housing Technology (LHT) operations outside of Japan.

Implementing further integration within the group, Yang Chin Chen has been appointed as CEO of LWT Asia Pacific, effective immediately. He will concurrently serve as chief integration officer leading the cross-functional Synergy Creation Office, where he has built a track record of overseeing over 30 projects enabling collaborations with Japan and overseas businesses.

He brings a wealth of experience in managing cross-regional and multi-cultural organisations, and will be responsible for leading, developing and accelerating LIXIL’s water technology business across Asia Pacific, a region poised as LIXIL’s future growth engine.

While LIXIL will continue to manage its business by regions, Chen, as well as other region CEOs Jonas Brennwald for LWT EMENA, Steven Delarge for LWT Americas, and Jay Londhe for LIXIL Africa, will report to Mohan. Mohan will concurrently oversee LHT Asia Pacific until a successor is appointed.

To enhance organisational and functional efficiency, Adam Bryson has been appointed chief financial officer, LIXIL International, reporting to Mohan from August 1, 2019. Having served as Chief Financial Officer of both LWT Americas and LWT EMENA, Bryson brings with him strong cross-regional expertise and experience.

As leveraging LIXIL’s global manufacturing and R&D footprint will be central to accelerating the growth of LWT across all its regions and brands, two COOs are being appointed to create and lead a unified technology and manufacturing organization across LIXIL International. Thomas Fuhr, currently CEO of Grohe AG, and an experienced senior executive with a record of operational excellence, will function as COO – Fittings, Showers and Behind-the-Wall.

Shinji Ito, currently chief supply chain officer for LWT Asia Pacific, and one of LIXIL’s most respected international executives, will function as COO - Ceramics, Vanities, Prefabricated Bathrooms, and Kitchen Systems. While these appointments are effective April 1, 2020, the leaders will begin work immediately to establish clear processes, KPIs, roles and responsibilities.

Leveraging over 30 years of a vast experience in the optimization of LIXIL's global manufacturing and supply chain operation, Ryuichi Kawamoto, currently director of LIXIL Group, will serve in a strategic global role focused on advising and mentoring LIXIL International on decisions relating to technology, effective August 1, 2019.

“From the Americas through to EMENA, Asia Pacific, and Africa regions, LIXIL has established regional platforms to best serve the needs of individual markets while enabling it to collaborate worldwide. We are now taking it a step further," LIXIL International CEO Mohan said. "Under LIXIL International, the company will accelerate cross-regional collaboration and strategic innovation, enabling a more focused approach across LIXIL’s overseas operations. I am pleased to welcome the new leadership team, who will play a critical role in delivering on this strategy and unlocking new growth.”

LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, it creates world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how it does this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth.

Along with Mohan’s recent appointment as CEO of LIXIL International, the new appointments enable a more focused approach to enhancing operational efficiency and accelerating the rollout of differentiated products and services through the group’s unique global brand portfolio.