Shinichi Sugiura, president of Kwik Lok Japan Ltd., has announced his plan to retire as of April 1, 2019. Sugiura was appointed president for Japan operations in 2013 following his role as general manager of international business.  While in the position of president, Sugiura developed a strong market for Kwik Lok’s signature re-useable, recyclable, closure in Japan, where it is especially popular for closing noodles as well as other bakery items. Sugiura developed programs to support employees and made important operational improvements. 

“Shinichi-san will be greatly missed, said Kwik Lok CEO, John K. Rothenbueler. "His dedication to the Kwik Lok family and accomplishments in building the market in Japan and other Asian markets helped to make Kwik Lok the successful global company it is today.”

Kwik Lok has appointed Motohiro Kawai, also a Japanese native, as the new president for Kwik Lok Japan Ltd.  Kawai is currently working to assure a smooth transition with Sugiura. Motohiro Kawai comes to Kwik Lok from Cimpress Japan, an online printing start-up headquartered in the Netherlands.  While there, Kawai moved from CFO to the position of president and CEO, a position he held for almost three years overseeing all aspects of the business. He built a solid foundation launching the company to one hundred employees and greatly expanding new business including the growth of e-commerce.  Prior to his work at Cimpress, Kawai spent twenty-one years with Sony Corporation in a variety of positions.  

“I am excited for the opportunity to follow Shinichi-san and to join the Kwik Lok family. Kwik Lok’s focus on relationships and customer service will be a key factor as we move into the future,” said Kawai.