TOKYO — Azelis is a leading global speciality chemicals distributor and employs more than 1,500 knowledgeable people located in 80 locations across the EMEA, Asia Pacific and Americas regions. Azelis has over 30 laboratories and technical centres serving the following industries: Personal Care, Pharma, Food & Health, Animal Nutrition, Specialty Agri/Horti, Homecare & Industrial Cleaning, CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers), Chemicals, Lubricants & Metal Working Fluids and Rubber & Plastic Additives.
Azelis is pleased to announce the appointment of Hirotaka (Hank) Kawano as Managing Director of Japan.
Kawano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and started his career with a global chemicals company in Japan. He has over 30 years experience in logistics and procurement and is proficient in both English and German.
Laurent Nataf, CEO & President Asia Pacific at Azelis, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Kawano-san to the team and look forward to him growing our business in Japan, with the strong technical expertise and market knowledge he brings to the role.”
Kawano succeeds Mitsuru Katada who will retire on 31st March 2017 after having successfully led the company’s Tokyo operations since 2014. Nataf adds: “During Katada’s tenure, he and his team achieved constant top and bottom line growth. We are grateful for his contributions to the company over the last three years, which will ensure the continued development and growth of Azelis Japan.”
Azelis Japan currently have seven full time employees and are active in the fine chemicals and detergents markets.