DRIVEN BASE

Former DENSO North American CEO Shares Farewell Message, Commends Employees’ Resolve, Collaboration and Welcoming Spirit

Jan. 11, 2021

On Jan. 1, 2021, Kenichiro Ito became DENSO’s chief human resources officer and head of its General Administration and Human Resource Center in Japan

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (Jan. 11, 2021) – Kenichiro Ito, who led DENSO’s North American operations as CEO for nearly five years, has transitioned to a new role at the company’s global headquarters in Japan. Effective Jan. 1, 2021, Ito became DENSO’s chief human resources officer and head of its General Administration and Human Resource Center.

Before his departure, he left a heartfelt message with DENSO’s North American employees.

Associates,

I am very grateful for the time I have spent as your North America CEO. I have had the opportunity to visit many of you over the past four years. You have welcomed me and taught me many things about the different cultures, diverse talents and perspectives across North America. I have many fond memories with you – North America Quality Circle Competitions, the New Year Ceremony, openings of DIAM satellite R&D locations, and more. And, we have been through many challenges together, especially this past year with the coronavirus pandemic. I am continuously inspired by your challenging spirit, great compassion, talents, and dedication. Not only have you been a strength for DENSO, but also for our communities. I know that with your strength, DENSO can succeed and create a better future for many.

I will move to Japan soon, but I am not really so far away. I will continue to support North America, and other regions, as Chief Human Resources Officer. I look forward to working with many North America team members in the future. There are great opportunities for North America to play an active role, or to lead DENSO, globally in various areas. I am excited to see the great things we can accomplish together.

Thank you everyone. I will move to global headquarters, but will visit North America after we beat coronavirus. I hope it will come soon. Until then, stay safe, and please keep in touch.

Thank you,

Ken Ito

We extend our gratitude to Ito for his years of steadfast leadership in the region. This includes playing a key role in DENSO’s implementation of our Second Founding, the company’s strategy to enrich mobility and meet the automotive industry’s evolving needs.

More will be shared about his replacement in the coming days.

About DENSO
DENSO is a $47.6 billion global mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in its 200 facilities to produce thermal, powertrain, mobility, electrification, & electronic systems, to create jobs that directly change how the world moves. The company’s 170,000+ employees are paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents, and preserves the environment. Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO spent 9.9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. For more information about global DENSO, visit https://www.denso.com/global.

In North America, DENSO is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 27,000+ engineers, researchers and skilled workers across 51 sites in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs 17,700+ employees across 14 states (and the District of Columbia) and 41 sites. In fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, DENSO in North America generated $10.9 billion in consolidated sales. DENSO is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion inside the company and beyond – a principle that brings unique perspectives together, bolsters innovation and pushes DENSO forward. Join us, and craft not only how the world moves, but also your career: densocareers.com. For more information, go to https://www.denso.com/us-ca/en/.