Yasunari Shimizu steps into the role of president and CEO at PFU (EMEA), succeeding Hiroaki Kashiwagi in a managed transition that aims to continue the company's growth and innovation
The PFU (EMEA) Limited board has announced the appointment of Yasunari Shimizu as its new president and chief executive officer (CEO). This move marks a planned leadership change that follows five years under Hiroaki Kashiwagi, who is stepping down after a period of transformation and market repositioning.
The company has emphasised continuity: Mr Kashiwagi will support Mr Shimizu during an initial handover phase to ensure an orderly transfer of responsibilities and to preserve strategic momentum.
Shimizu joins PFU (EMEA) with broad experience across PFU’s operations in Japan and its international affiliates.
The board highlights his track record within the group and his familiarity with both product and market dynamics. In taking up the role, Mr Shimizu is expected to maintain the company’s commitment to innovation and quality while steering the business through the next chapter of growth and customer value delivery.
The appointment reflects a deliberate choice to blend internal knowledge with fresh executive leadership.
Leadership transition and organisational continuity
The change at the top is presented as a carefully managed succession rather than a sudden shift. Hiroaki Kashiwagi has led PFU (EMEA) since 1st April 2026, guiding the business through significant adaptation in a fast-evolving market environment. Under his leadership tenure, the company consolidated its position by focusing on technology, process improvements and customer-centric solutions. The board and leadership team have publicly expressed their gratitude for his contributions, noting that the foundations he strengthened will support future initiatives under Mr Shimizu’s direction.
Handover arrangements
To reduce disruption, Mr Kashiwagi will work closely with Mr Shimizu during the early months of the new CEO’s term. This collaborative approach is designed to transfer institutional knowledge, align strategic priorities and maintain relationships with key partners. The process highlights PFU’s emphasis on stable governance and a seamless operational rhythm, ensuring that clients, partners and employees experience continuity as leadership responsibilities change hands.
Strategic implications for PFU (EMEA)
From a strategic standpoint, the appointment signals a continued emphasis on market leadership through innovation. Company statements, including commentary from Brian Fortune, General Manager Sales PFU (EMEA) Limited, underline the aim to execute an existing strategy while delivering value for customers, partners and staff. With Mr Shimizu’s background in PFU’s global operations, expectations centre on reinforcing product offerings—particularly in document imaging and related services—and supporting customers in their digital projects.
What stakeholders can expect
Clients and partners can anticipate a steady course: priorities will include refining solutions, strengthening service delivery and pursuing growth opportunities in the region. Emphasis on Digital Transformation initiatives and ongoing product development is likely to continue, driven by PFU’s experience in image capture and IT infrastructure support. The board’s endorsement of Mr Shimizu underlines confidence in his ability to maintain operational excellence while fostering new value propositions.
About PFU and its mission
Founded in Japan in 1960, PFU Limited has evolved from computer development roots to become a specialist in document imaging solutions, including scanners, as well as services that support the construction and operation of IT infrastructures. The company positions its devices and services as enablers of customer business process reform, aiming to assist organisations with efficiency, reliability and sustainability. PFU’s stated purpose is to keep evolving its edge devices and service capabilities to support customers’ digital journeys.
With Yasunari Shimizu now at the helm of PFU (EMEA) Limited, the organisation is presenting a message of continuity and forward motion: a planned leadership transition; an experienced successor with internal group experience; and a commitment to pursue innovation and customer outcomes. Stakeholders will watch how Mr Shimizu leverages the foundations laid by Mr Kashiwagi to advance the company’s goals in the coming months.
