19.01.2026

New MD for Kobelco Europe

Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe has appointed Takemichi Hirakawa as its new managing director. He has served as Kato’s deputy since last July, following three years as chief executive of Kobelco India.

A 35 year Kobe/Kobelco veteran, he has spent much of his career in the Kobelco crane division and is a previous manager of Kobelco Cranes Europe.

The current managing director, Makoto Kato, will step down, having set up the current European operation and managed it for the past 13 years, during which time it has grown significantly and since 2018 has included Kobelco crane sales for the region. More recently, Kobelco Europe moved into new purpose built headquarters and Tech Centre in Lelystad.

The company statement said: “Makoto Kato’s dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence have played a pivotal role in elevating the business to new heights. As the founder of Kubota CM in Europe, he leaves a lasting legacy to its employees, dealer network and partners.”

Kato added: “It has been a true privilege to lead the company for the past 13 years. 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.”

Takemichi Hirakawa began his career in 1991, when he joined Kobe Steel’s Construction Machinery division – as it was known then - in Tokyo. Eight years later, he was promoted to assistant planning manager, and in 2004, joined the Kobelco Crane division as overseas sales manager, based in Japan. In 2007, he was given his first overseas posting, moving to Kobelco Cranes Europe in Almere, the Netherlands, as deputy managing director, becoming managing director two years later. Two years after that was transferred back to Japan as general manager, planning and administration for Kobelco Cranes.

In 2015, it was off to Singapore as managing director of Kobelco Cranes South East Asia. Two years later, his title changed to managing director of Kobelco International. The following year, he left Singapore, moving back to Tokyo as general manager of sales and administration for Kobelco Construction Machinery, which by that time included both cranes and excavators. He left for India in the spring of 2022.

Speaking after his appointment, Hirakawa said: "We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Kato for his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication to the success of the Kobelco brand in Europe. His leadership and guidance have been instrumental in driving our business forward and establishing 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 in order to carry our shared vision forward.”

Crane managment
There are no changes for Kobelco Cranes manager Europe, Yosuke ‘Joe’ Nishio, apart from the fact that he will now report to Takemichi Hirakawa – and kindred crane spirit?