PFU (EMEA) names Yasunari Shimizu as Chief Executive
Tue, 19th May 2026 (Yesterday)
PFU (EMEA) has appointed Yasunari Shimizu as President & Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Hiroaki Kashiwagi after five years in the role.
Shimizu takes over at the regional arm of PFU, the Japanese technology company known for document imaging products and IT infrastructure support services. Kashiwagi will work closely with his successor during the first months of the handover.
Kashiwagi had led PFU (EMEA) since April 2021, overseeing the business through what was described as a period of transformation in a changing market. The appointment marks a leadership transition for PFU's Europe, Middle East and Africa operation as it looks to build on the foundations laid under the outgoing chief executive.
Before taking the EMEA post, Shimizu held leadership roles across PFU's operations in Japan and overseas, experience that is expected to shape his leadership of the regional business in its next phase.
Leadership change
The announcement of Shimizu's appointment was paired with a formal acknowledgement of Kashiwagi's tenure, with board members and the senior leadership team thanking him for his contribution over the past five years.
Brian Fortune, General Manager Sales at PFU (EMEA), said: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mr Kashiwagi for his leadership and service over the past five years. His vision and dedication have set us on course to keep leading the market through our commitment to innovation and quality."
He added: "The Board is delighted to welcome Mr Shimizu. His experience and leadership style make him exceptionally well suited to guide PFU (EMEA) Limited as we continue to execute our strategy and deliver value for our customers, partners, and employees."
Handover period
The transition will include a handover period in which Kashiwagi remains involved during the opening months of Shimizu's tenure, underlining the company's focus on continuity as the new chief executive settles into the role.
Shimizu said he planned to work with the existing team and build on the company's current position.
"I am honoured to join PFUE as President & CEO. I look forward to working closely with the team to build on the company's strengths and lead the organisation through its next chapter," said Yasunari Shimizu, President & Chief Executive Officer, PFU (EMEA).
PFU traces its roots to Japan in 1960. The group developed expertise through computer development before expanding into document imaging products, including image scanners, as well as support services for building and operating IT infrastructure.
Document management and related services have since become a central part of the business across its international operations. In EMEA, the appointment places a new executive at the head of a business within a wider Japanese parent group with longstanding interests in both hardware and services.
The leadership change comes as technology suppliers across office equipment, imaging and IT services continue to respond to shifting customer demand, digital workflows and broader changes in enterprise spending. For PFU (EMEA), the immediate task will be to maintain continuity through the transfer of responsibilities while the new chief executive establishes his leadership of the regional operation.