Management transition : KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe welcomes new Managing Director
KOBELCO Construction Machinery Europe BV (KCME) has completed a carefully orchestrated management transition at the start of 2026. Makoto Kato, who served as Managing Director and Excavator Division Director for over a decade, concluded his tenure on December 31, 2025, with Takemichi Hirakawa stepping into the role from January 1, 2026.
The transition represents a significant moment for the Lelystad-based operation, which has grown substantially under Kato's stewardship. During his 13-year leadership period, KCME achieved numerous milestones, with the most recent being the relocation to a purpose-built headquarters and technical center in Lelystad, the Netherlands. As KCME's founder in Europe, Kato established the brand's presence from the ground up, creating a robust infrastructure that has positioned KOBELCO as a prominent player in the European construction equipment sector.
"It has been a true privilege to lead the company for the past 13 years," said Makoto Kato. "Together, we have built the presence of the brand in Europe from the ground up, laying a robust foundation for sustainable growth that will further strengthen KOBELCO's position as one of the leading brands in the industry."
Experienced leader takes command
Takemichi Hirakawa brings substantial international experience to his new position. Prior to joining KCME in July 2025, Hirakawa served as Managing Director and CEO at KOBELCO Construction Equipment India Pvt. Ltd., where he gained valuable insights into managing operations in diverse markets.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Kato for his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication to the success of the KOBELCO brand in Europe," said Takemichi Hirakawa. "His leadership and guidance have been instrumental in driving our business forward and established a solid foundation for future growth. I am honoured to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation that has already been laid. I look forward to working with this incredible team in Europe and to carrying our shared vision forward."
The new Managing Director inherits a well-established operation that serves all European countries, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Israel, and Northern Africa. KCME specialises in crawler excavators ranging from 1 to 140 tons, an innovative demolition machinery portfolio, and lattice and telescopic boom crawler cranes spanning 55 to 550 tons. The company maintains a modern parts warehouse supporting comprehensive aftersales service throughout its operational territories.
KOBELCO equipment has earned recognition for advanced technological features, including innovative noise and dust reduction systems and sophisticated hydraulic circuitry that delivers both power and superior fuel efficiency. These characteristics align with the company's European brand tagline, "Built for Perfectionists™," which reflects the organisation's Japanese engineering heritage, emphasising critical thinking, problem-solving, precision, and continuous improvement.
The management transition comes at a time when the construction equipment industry faces evolving challenges around sustainability, digitalisation, and regulatory compliance. With Hirakawa's international background and Kato's established framework, KCME appears positioned to navigate these industry dynamics while maintaining its commitment to technical excellence and customer service across its extensive European and regional network.
