Kato succeeds Yoshihiko Yamada, who retired after 38 years with the corporation.
“DENSO is a trusted brand synonymous with superior quality, value and customer service,” Kato says. “It is my goal to lead the DPAM team in advancing products and services that build on our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs in a manner that improves quality of life for all people.”
As president of DPAM, Kato will oversee 470 employees at the company’s facilities in Long Beach and Murrieta, Calif. The company says his duties include managing the sales, manufacturing and distribution operations of all groups under DPAM: DENSO Light Vehicle Parts, Commercial and Heavy Duty, MovinCool, Robotics and Automated Data Capture (ADC) devices.
Kato joined DENSO in 1986 and began his career in air conditioning systems research and development. DENSO says he has held various positions of increasing responsibility within the corporation’s global network. In 2012, Kato became general manager of the Aftermarket Business and Product Development group of DENSO’S Climate, Heating and Cooling Product Division at corporate headquarters in Kariya, Japan. In April 2015, Kato relocated to Southern California to join DPAM as the company’s senior executive coordinator.
