Kobayashi replaces Kazuto Ogawa who was CEO for five years.
Canon U.S.A. said Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi has taken the reins as its new President and CEO, effective January 1, 2024. Kobayashi, who previously served as President and CEO at Canon Canada Inc., succeeds Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, marking a strategic transition following Ogawa’s five-year tenure at the helm of Canon U.S.A., Inc. starting in April 2020.
Kobayashi’s journey with Canon Inc. began in 1990 within the photocopier sales division, steadily climbing the corporate ladder. His trajectory culminated in his role as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Canon U.S.A. and Executive Officer of Canon Inc., a position he retains. In January 2023, he assumed the role of President and CEO of Canon Canada for a one-year term.
“I am honored to take on this role as President and CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc. and will do my best to continue the hard work of our employees, customers, channel partners, and other stakeholders that have made this company so successful,” said Kobayashi.
Under the leadership of former CEO Ogawa, who started at Canon in 1981 as a copier salesman in Tokyo, the company strategically shifted the its focus towards immersive software even collaborating with M. Night Shyamalan at the Consumer Electronics Show last year.
