Senior Vice President Keith Kratzberg Appointed as Successor
Epson America, Inc., regional headquarters of Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson"), today announced that John Lang, president and CEO will retire effective June 30, 2016. As part of a planned succession, Keith Kratzberg, currently senior vice president, will assume the role of president and chief executive officer as of July 1, 2016.
Lang joined Epson America in 1987 and has served as president and CEO for the past 14 years. In this role, he has been the driving force behind the company's strategic direction and consistently strong operational performance. He led the company through a period of unprecedented change in technology, markets and customers. Under his leadership, Epson significantly grew a wide-range of businesses in over 20 countries in North and Latin America and the Caribbean. Lang was also instrumental in dramatically expanding Epson's strategic focus from a consumer and small business printer manufacturer to a market leader in businesses as diverse as robotics, textile printing, augmented reality display technology, and point of sale solutions. Under Lang, Epson America has grown its branded market share to a number one or two position in virtually all of the categories it competes in and has grown the company's operations to more than 2,000 employees in North and Latin America with revenues in excess of $2.5 billion.
"Since I began at Epson almost three decades ago, I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with an incredible team of professionals across the Americas, at our Seiko Epson headquarters and around the world," said Lang. "Together we have helped bring innovative, reliable and easy-to-use technology solutions that enrich all aspects of our customers' lives – from business to the home. It has been an honor to be part of a company that has set a high bar for integrity, quality and collaboration."
Keith Kratzberg joined Epson in 1996 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in product development, marketing, sales, strategy, and general management. Since 2011, he has held the position of senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, most recently successfully expanding his management and oversight to the Latin America region of Epson America. Kratzberg has been responsible for driving innovation and market leadership across Epson's wide range of consumer and commercial imaging products, 3LCD projectors and point-of-service solutions.
"With over 20 years at Epson America, and 11 years as a member of our senior management team, Keith's extensive experience in overseeing all aspects of the business combined with his consistent track record of driving revenue growth makes him the ideal person to lead Epson America's next phase of growth," said Lang. "Keith's experience at Epson and market knowledge will ensure a seamless transition."
"I am very excited to step into this role and look forward to further enhancing Epson America's position as a market leader," said Kratzberg. "I'm honored to have been affiliated with the management, employees, partners, and customers of Epson under John Lang's leadership and look forward to continuing to grow and develop his legacy of leadership, innovation and partnership. Moreover, I appreciate the support Seiko Epson has shown me in this transition and look forward to continuing the growth of the Epson brand in the Americas."
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