<<Getting to Know the Boss>>Who is the New President, Mr. Okitsu?
PROFILE
HISTORY
Apr.
Joined Sharp Corporation
May
Assigned to the Air Conditioning Equipment Department, Home Appliances Division, Home Appliances BU
I chose air conditioner development as my first preference due to my university research on temperature sensors. My second choice was blood pressure monitors, and third was refrigerators. My manager at the time said to me, “You’re the first person to list air conditioners as your first choice.”
Due to poor sales of air conditioners in the previous year, no overtime work was permitted for a year. I lived in dorm and went out drinking with my seniors every day from 6 PM.
Mr. Okitsu is the second from the right.
Jun.
Assigned to the A180 Special Project Team
The Special team, now also referred to as “I-PRO,” was launched to create inverter standards, At the time, our development was very active, and many projects were formed.
Dec.
Assigned to the Air Conditioning Systems Division, Home Appliances Systems BU
I received great support from the IC and optoelectronic device teams during the software development for Sharp’s 4-bit microcontroller SM series and when adopting Sharp’s optoelectronic semiconductors in air conditioners.
I traveled around various countries in Europe for about two weeks to provide training and guidance for the introduction of inverter air conditioners.
Photo with the sales representative called “Super Mario” at the time, on the right
Sep.
Manager, Technology Department Ⅰ, Air Conditioning Systems Division, Home Appliances Systems BU
Apr.
Assigned to Thailand as the head of Air Conditioning Product Unit of SATL
After being long involved in air conditioner development, I requested to be assigned to overseas and finally I was assigned to Thailand. I conversed frequently with local members, and the workplace was exciting with a sense of unity. We produced 2,800 air conditioners per day for the US market at the time. I sometimes repaired circuits on site to avoid penalties for late shipments. As a result, we never missed a deadline in two years. I still keep in touch with the staff from that time, enjoying meals together. I love Thai food because it’s delicious.
Photo with SATL members
Featured in a Thai newspaper
Apr.
Division Manager of Technology Department Ⅱ, Air Conditioning Systems Division, Home Appliances Systems BU
After returning to Japan, my main responsibility shifted to oil fan heaters. Also, I was in charge of air purifiers, achieving sales of 500,000 units that year.
Nov.
Assigned to China to establish the China Home Appliances Product Development Center
I was chosen for my overseas experience. I went with three subordinates and handled all necessary tasks for the establishment, including estimating buildings, experimental equipment, and supplies, and hiring local employees. A university graduate I hired in the second year is the current head of the China Home Appliances Product Development Center.
Photo with members of the China Home Appliances Product Development Center
Opening ceremony of the China Home Appliances Product Development Center
Oct.
Appointed President of SSEC (China Production Company)
I became a President of SSEC after serving as Member of the Board of SES and Head of the Home Appliances Product Development Center and turned it around into a profitable company. I recognized the importance of motivating local members. I believe that a good leader is someone who nurtures and empowers local members.
In February 2009, former Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda visited the SSEC factory for about two hours during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Japan Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. I still remember his comment “Air purifiers are good products since they are simple but sell well at high prices.”
Former Prime Minister Fukuda on the left (center). Approximately a two-hour visit
Mar.
General Manager of the Laundry Systems Division, Health and Environmental Systems BU
Thanks to the efforts of my predecessor and team, vacuum cleaners quickly became products with a profit margin of over 10% upon my return to SAS. Washing machines business, which had been a long-time deficit department, turned profitable due to the strong yen, making the Laundry Systems Unit the top performer in the company. I represented the company presenting my declaration at the management policy announcement event on January 5th of the following year.
From MADO in February 2010
Oct.
General Manager of the Air Conditioning Systems Division, Health and Environmental Systems BU
One month after becoming General Manager, I declined an OEM contract worth 4 billion yen in sales but with almost zero marginal profit, based on our policy to focus on profit. I decided during my time at SSEC that I would stop producing unprofitable products once I became General Manager. Two months after our turn down, the customer requested production with a price increase, recognizing the lack of other capable manufacturers. We supplied for the following five years with a 25% price increase. Through this experience, I understood how to secure profits and the importance of negotiation.
Oct.
Vice President of Health and Environmental Systems BU and General Manager of the Air Conditioning Systems BU
During my two and a half years as General Manager, the hot climate helped to achieve a market share of 9.9%, just shy of our 10% target. I regretted not reaching 10% which still remains unachieved.
Apr.
Executive Officer, Deputy General Manager of the Health and Environmental Systems BU & Head of Health and Environmental Systems BU
Oct.
Executive Officer, Consumer Electronics Company EVP & Head of Health and Environmental Systems BU
Jun.
Member of the Board and Managing Officer, Head of Health and Environmental Systems BU
Jun.
Executive Managing Officer, Head of Health and Environmental Systems BU
Nov.
Senior Executive Managing Officer, Head of Smart Appliances & Solutions BU
Jun.
Senior Executive Managing Officer, Head of Smart Life Group, Head of SAS BU
Apr.
Senior Executive Managing Officer, Head of Smart Life Group
Jun.
Representative Director, Executive Vice President & Head of the Smart Life Group
Oct.
Representative Director, Executive Vice President
Jun.
Representative Director, President & CEO
INTERVIEW
What kind of company do you want to lead Sharp into?
In the past, we have competed with others with our one-of-a-kind technologies. However, from now on, we cannot win with one-of-a-kind technologies alone. I believe we need to strengthen our marketing. By researching markets and households in each country to understand their demands, we can determine what our customers truly want and then conquer the market with our one-of-a-kind technologies.
Sharp is a company that creates products that are different from others, and products that customers choose because of its uniqueness. I want to make Sharp a company that is never satisfied with its current status and is always changing.
When taking on challenges to change and realizing new things, we face various difficulties. However, avoiding difficulties and only doing what we are able to do right now will not lead to new growth. First, we must take action. Let’s thoroughly understand and practice our business creed once again.
“Accept every challenge with a positive attitude”
How will you communicate with employees?
I want to regularly communicate top messages in easy-to-understand words. Currently, information is not being conveyed to every corner of the company. For example, when I recently visited regional offices, I learned most employees are unaware of our company-wide study sessions. I feel we need to improve how we convey information. I believe it would be good to increase opportunities to speak directly with employees as much as possible.
SECRET
Who I respect
Founder Tokuji Hayakawa
Motto
Never give up (何糞)
Part-time jobs during student days
Chinese food restaurant, server at a Japanese restaurant, … →more
My favorite wife’s cooking
steamed turnip (Kabura-mushi) – I eat everything without leaving anything behind
Favorite Japanese celebrity
Ryoko Yonekura
Takako Matsu
Eiko Koike
Favorite movie
I like action movies. e.g. “Die Hard,” “Back to the Future”
Favorite drama
I like stories where justice prevails, such as … →more
Karaoke specialty
I’m not good at karaoke
Favorite music
Yumi Matsutoya.
I was amazed by the stage production using the latest technology at her concert. … →more
Stress relieving methods
Golf, drinking
Self-portrait from his graduation essay (6th grade)
Chinese food restaurant, server at a Japanese restaurant, tutor, building materials manufacturer, electronics store
I like stories where justice prevails, such as “Mito Komon”(Japanese period drama) and detective dramas.
“Sunday Theater”※ is interesting.
※ A drama program broadcasting every Sunday in Japan.
Yumi Matsutoya.
I was amazed by the stage production using the latest technology at her concert.
I also like Miyuki Nakajima.
座右の銘
“Crisis brings opportunities”
ピンチの中にチャンスがある
日本で行ってみたいスポット
北海道・京都・沖縄
ストレス発散方法
エクササイズ
得意なスポーツ
学生時代はバスケットボール・野球が得意でした。
Tell me Robert
好きな日本の芸能人
米倉涼子。『ドクターX』の「私、失敗しないので」のセリフが好きです。
『ダイハード』はブルース・ウィリスが好きです。シリーズはすべて観ています。
ドラマは『ストレンジャーシングス未知の世界』も観ました。
他には『ブラックリスト』はマフィアが登場する話だけれど、主人公がジェントルマンなところが好きです。
宇多田ヒカル・ボサノバの女王 小野リサが好きです。あとはCHAGE and ASKA。年代がバレちゃいますが（笑）
MESSAGE
I’m Okitsu appointed as president.
I would like to say a few words to everyone.
This fiscal 2024 has become a very important year for Sharp.
By successfully achieving our goals this year,
we can take on new ventures with fresh dreams in fiscal 2025 and beyond.
So, for fiscal 2024, let’s achieve our targets
with the spirit of never giving up!
