Kansai Paint Philippines Inc., one of the country’s growing paint suppliers, announced the appointment of KPPI president and general manager Akiyoshi Watanabe effective April 14, 2019.
Watanabe takes over from outgoing president Takushi Yamamoto, who started his Philippine assignment in April 2015. Under Yamamoto’s leadership, the company saw a steady growth in sales and client base.
He also spearheaded the company’s foray into the protective and decorative paint business, which was bolstered by the KPPI partnership with Japanese contractors for the construction of the newly opened Bohol Panglao International Airport.
Upon his return to Japan, Yamamoto will assume the position of manager at Kansai Paint’s Kyushu Office. Taking over from Yamamoto at KPPI is Akiyoshi Watanabe, who has been with Kansai Paint Japan for 15 years. A seasoned salesperson, Watanabe was last posted as assistant manager of sales at Kansai Paint’s Kyushu Office before his appointment as KPPI president and general manager based in Laguna.
During turnover ceremonies at the KPPI office, Yamamoto advised his successor to always “keep a healthy mind and body, and to take care of his family, including his new KPPI family.”
Watanabe said he was very eager to serve in the Philippines. “I am very proud to say that Kansai Paint is the No. 1 paint company in Japan, and with the support of our business partners and colleagues, I am hoping that we can also achieve the same here in the Philippines,” he said.
Building on the plans and programs that Yamamoto had established, Watanabe said he was looking forward to helping further boost Kansai’s Philippine business as well as keeping KPPI employees well-motivated and happy.