Tomokazu Fujii has taken over as president of Epson Philippines Corporation effective October 1, succeeding Masako Kusama as she retires after a 36-year career with the company.
Kusama announced the handover in a Facebook post, saying she will return to Japan next week after four and a half years in the Philippines and reach her retirement milestone in November.
“As of October 1, I have officially handed over the role of President of Epson Philippines Corporation to Tomokazu Fujii,” she wrote.
“While I will retire from my current position, I am grateful to continue supporting Epson through a re-employment arrangement after retirement.”
Kusama became Epson’s first female country manager globally when she assumed leadership of its Philippine operations in 2022. Before her appointment, she served as general manager of Epson’s business systems division in Japan.
She was formally introduced as president and director of Epson Philippines at its annual Fusion media event in July 2022.
At the time, Kusama identified the enterprise market as a priority for expansion, seeking to build the company’s business-to-business operations alongside its established consumer business.
During her tenure, Epson Philippines increased its focus on office and large-format printers, projectors, and label printers as digitalization put pressure on traditional document printing.
Kusama also pointed to opportunities in textile printing, signage, and labeling.
Kusama, who joined Seiko Epson in 1990, had announced her retirement plans at the company’s Fusion event earlier this year.
Newsbytes.PH reported in May that she planned to continue working in Japan as a contractual employee in Seiko Group’s sustainability division.
In her latest post, Kusama thanked employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders for their support during her Philippine assignment.
“The Philippines will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish the memories and relationships built over these years,” she said.
She also urged stakeholders to support Fujii as he assumes the presidency.
“As Epson Philippines begins a new chapter under Tomokazu Fujii’s leadership, I kindly ask for your continued support,” she concluded.
