LECTRA: Lectra appoints Rikako Shinonaga as Managing Director for Japan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lectra appoints Rikako Shinonaga as Managing Director for Japan
Rikako Shinonaga will help develop Lectra's Japanese customers' brands and
production processes
Paris, January 8, 2013 - Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology
solutions dedicated to industries using soft materials-textiles, leather,
industrial fabrics, and composite materials-is pleased to announce the
appointment of Rikako Shinonaga as Managing Director for Japan.
Rikako Shinonaga reports directly to Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO. Her appointment
is part of Lectra's strategy to strengthen its presence in Japan. Lectra has
been present in Japan since 1985, when the company opened its Osaka office-
Lectra's first subsidiary in Asia. Lectra now manages close relationships with
its Japanese customers through its team of 32 people across eight principal
locations in Osaka, Tokyo, Iwate, Yamagata, Fukushima, Aichi, Okayama, and
Fukuoka.
"Lectra's objective for fashion is to help Japanese fashion companies build
brand equity with strong design and fit. Japan has never been a major fashion
market. Today we see the market is evolving, presenting two main opportunities.
Some Japanese companies are starting to expand internationally, while others are
choosing to become more design- and brand-oriented. Japanese fashion brands can
capitalize on Lectra's considerable fashion expertise, developed over 40 years
of working with world-renowned fashion and luxury brands," said Daniel Harari.
"Meanwhile, Japanese carmakers are continuing to manufacture domestically, but
they have also expanded production abroad, notably to China, Brazil, and Mexico.
Lectra helps them address the challenges manufacturing overseas can pose,
allowing them to keep complete control of the process and guarantee the level of
quality they are accustomed to providing," he added. "Rikako's knowledge of
Lectra, our customers and the Japanese market, as well as her considerable
experience, will undoubtedly enable her to deliver added value to our customers
in Japan."
"Lectra has been very well known in Japan for its cutting room solutions since
setting up its operation in the country, but over time it has also established a
solid reputation for its software and services. In the Japanese fashion market
there is a strong demand for innovative solutions, as recent Lectra Fashion PLM
successes demonstrate. This is fuelled by the recognition of Lectra's position
as the global leader in fashion brand consulting. Lectra will also continue to
contribute to the Japanese automotive market, by means of its global presence
and unrivaled service offer. Lectra's priority is to assist its automotive
customers in optimizing their costs and streamlining their processes both in
Japan and abroad," highlighted Rikako Shinonaga.
Rikako Shinonaga has more than 15 years' experience in strategic and operational
marketing in multinational companies. She joined Lectra in 2004. Prior to
becoming Managing Director for Lectra in Japan, she was Marketing Manager and
Human Resources Manager. Before joining Lectra, Rikako Shinonaga developed
marketing, financial and customer relationship skills in various industries, in
both Japanese and American companies, including Procter & Gamble and Accenture.
Rikako Shinonaga holds an MBA in Marketing from San Diego State University.
About Lectra
Lectra is the world leader in integrated technology solutions that automate,
streamline and accelerate product design, development and manufacturing
processes for industries using soft materials. Lectra develops the most advanced
specialized software and cutting systems and provides associated services to a
broad array of markets including fashion (apparel, accessories, footwear),
automotive (car seats and interiors, airbags), furniture, as well as a wide
variety of other market sectors, such as aeronautical and marine industries,
wind power, and personal protective equipment. Lectra serves 23,000 customers in
more than 100 countries with 1,350 employees and $287 million in 2011 revenues.
The company is listed on NYSE Euronext.
For more information, please visit www.lectra.com
Contact - Lectra Headquarters / Press Dept.: Nathalie Fournier-Christol
E-mail: n.fournier-christol@lectra.com
Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 64 42 37 - Fax: +33 (0)1 53 64 43 40
Rikako Shinonaga Appointment Press Release:
http://hugin.info/143494/R/1668982/542151.pdf
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