Kubota Corp. has named Yuichi “Ken” Kitao as the new president of Kubota Tractor Corp., based in Torrance, Calif. Kitao, who earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tokyo Univ., has been with Kubota Corp. for 32 years in the company’s engineering and tractor machinery division. Kitao, most recently, served as general manager, Tractor Division, at Kubota’s Farm and Machinery Division in Japan. He held positions previously in the U.S.s with Kubota Tractor Corp.’s Central Division from 1999 to 2000 in Texas. Kitao has been instrumental in the ongoing growth of Kubota’s line of M-Series agriculture and utility tractors throughout his career.

“Kubota is committed to leading the industry in engineering and manufacturing the highest quality, most versatile products in the tractor, construction/utility equipment and specialized turf product markets on a global basis. Kubota Corp. is recognized worldwide for innovative machinery technologies, quality products and long-term value and durability,” explains Kitao, who joined Kubota Tractor Corp. as president in early 2011. Kitao is also an executive officer of Kubota Corp.

“We are committed to our strong dealer network and our customers in the United States. Kubota Tractor Corp. (KTC) offers Kubota-designed, engineered and manufactured equipment, including Kubota engines, suited to agricultural, industrial, land owner and recreational applications. Many KTC products are manufactured here in the U.S. Kubota Corp. is dedicated to improving and investing in our equipment manufacturing business in the U.S. and globally, to provide our dealers and their customers with the highest quality, industry leading equipment,” Kitao adds.

Kitao succeeds Dr. Satoshi Iida, president of Kubota Tractor Corp. 2009-10. Dr. Iida has been promoted to the position of general manager of Machinery Division International Operations in Osaka, Japan.

Kubota Tractor Corp., Torrance, Calif., is the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota-branded equipment, including a complete line of tractors up to 118 PTO hp, performance-matched implements, compact and utility-class construction equipment, consumer lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles.