Thank You, Komori-san: A Farewell to Our President & CEO
If you’ve ever walked the halls of Muratec USA, chances are you’ve heard Toshiyuki Komori’s laugh before you’ve seen him.
Komori has led Muratec USA, Murata Machinery Ltd.’s (MML) North American headquarters in Charlotte, NC, as president and CEO since 2020. His Subaru license plate reads “BZMN,” a nod to his professional life, but it’s adorned with a trout—a subtle reminder of his love of fly fishing and the calm nature he brought to leadership.
Outgoing Muratec USA President and CEO Toshiyuki Komori, second from right, participates in a tree-planting ceremony during Muratec’s 50th anniversary celebration in June 2024.
It’s customary for MML, Muratec USA’s parent company based in Kyoto, Japan, to assign a new president and CEO for the North American headquarters every 3 to 5 years.
Komori, known as “Komori-san” by employees, joined Muratec USA during the challenging early months of COVID-19. Having previously traveled the world working in machinery sales for MML, Komori embraced this opportunity with optimism, positivity, a personal warmth, and hearty laugh that made him instantly approachable.
Now, Komori is headed home, not to retire, but to take on a global role in machine tools with MML. His last day at Muratec USA is Sept. 30.
Having led the company through challenges and growth, many moments stand out for Komori during his time in the U.S.
“Starting with COVID-19, there were many significant milestones, such as large-scale projects in Clean Factory Automation, new customer development in the Machine Tools Division, and organizational restructuring in Logistics & Automation,” Komori said. “But one of the most memorable moments was celebrating the 50th anniversary of Muratec USA with everyone” in 2024.
Company Leadership Shares Parting Messages
Muratec USA leadership shared their thoughts on Komori’s impact in the U.S. this week.
Chris Cobb, Vice President of Financial Operations, described Komori-san’s leadership as rooted in positivity. He noted that Komori’s naturally happy nature, combined with his understanding, optimism, and open-mindedness, made him the right choice to serve as president and CEO.
When Komori joined MMUSA in 2020, morale and trust in leadership were low.
“Komori has done a good job of improving morale and trust across different business lines,” Chris said. “I think he did a good job calming the organization, setting a strategic outlook and pointing us in that direction, and promoting trust.”
Chris also recalled how Komori made the most of his assignment in the United States—embracing the culture, enjoying activities like fly fishing, and ensuring that other Japanese assignees also enjoyed their time in Charlotte.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and the organization,” Chris said. “I look forward to continuing to work with you.”
HR Director Brenda Portillo said Komori has an openness that carries through his leadership.
Komori enjoyed the photo booth and props at Muratec USA’s 50th anniversary celebration. Getting employees from both Muratec and parent company Murata Machinery Ltd. together for the celebration in June 2024 is Komori’s favorite memory from his time as president and CEO.
“Mr. Komori is very approachable,” she said. “During social events, he would join others in games, fostering a family atmosphere. We had a new hire who commented, ‘Is he truly the president? He is playing games with the rest of the guys!’”
Komori is a good listener, hearing all viewpoints before making a decision.
“Most people say listening is essential—but as a leader, he truly practiced it,” Brenda said.
She vividly remembers their first business trip together. When Komori asked if he could board the plane first, she expected to see him in business class. Instead, she found him in coach, another sign of his humility.
“Komori-san truly fostered a sense of family,” Brenda said. “I wish you the best of luck in your new role. Thank you for your wisdom, patience, and sense of humor. You will be missed!”
Komori addresses employees shortly before his departure in September 2025, thanking them for their support during his tenure. On the right is Human Resources Director Brenda Portillo, who said she enjoyed Komori’s sense of humor, wisdom and ability to listen to all viewpoints.
Like Brenda, Masatoshi Wakabayashi, general manager of Muratec’s Logistics & Automation Division, noted Komori’s listening skills and thoughtful guidance.
The last two years have been a time of transition for Logistics & Automation, and Komori made an effort to understand the challenges facing the division by “listening, by learning and providing good business advice to us,” Wakabayashi said. This fostered openness and trust across the company’s divisions, between USA and Japanese employees, managers and staff.
“His positive way of thinking makes people around him encouraged and empowered,” Wakabayashi said.
Komori also made sure that the company’s assignees, employees from Japan who work for an assigned time at Muratec USA, felt at home in a new country.
“Some leave family in Japan, some have families here but have a hard time adjusting to the US and the work assignment,” Wakabayashi said. “He supported those assignees, always with a positive mind. He created many opportunities to spend time together and share experiences among us. I see Komori san as a leader and father figure to many young assignees.”
David Stalvey, director of the Textiles Division, said it’s been a true pleasure working with Komori over the past several years. He noted how quickly Komori embraced the Textile Division’s guiding principle of treating both staff and customers like family—a reflection of his character that earned admiration across the company.
Having worked with eight of the nine Muratec USA presidents during his 37-year tenure at MMUSA, David said his memories of Komori will be only happy and positive ones.
“Thank you for your support over the years,” David said. “We offer our best wishes for your future positions with MML.”
Jeff Kalmbach, general manager of the Machine Tools Division, said what stood out most to him about Komori’s leadership was his steady calm, even in difficult situations.
“He always understood that challenges may be tough in the moment, but things would work out in the end,” Jeff said. “That positive demeanor spread across the room.”
One memory stands out in particular. Years ago, while discussing the sales organization and dealer structure, Komori drew on his own experience building the dealer network in Europe.
From left to right: Komori at a past EMO Hannover trade show with Matt Valkner of Methods and Equipment, a Muratec USA dealer, Yosuke Murata of Murata Machinery Ltd., and Jeff Kalmbach, general manager of Muratec USA’s Machine Tools Division.
“During our conversation, he told me, ‘Jeff-san, you must be patient. Developing this type of sales network does not happen overnight.’”
That wisdom influenced Jeff’s own leadership approach—and he believes Komori’s collaborative mindset will have a lasting impact at Muratec USA.
“I think that one legacy Mr. Komori leaves is one of bringing together and bonding across all of our divisions and all of our teams,” Jeff said. “He has been instrumental in helping remove silos and build more collaboration.”
As Komori prepares to return to Japan, Jeff offered a farewell message on behalf of the Machine Tools Division:
“Mr. Komori will return to Japan, and there is much work to be done in supporting the Turning sales activities for MTD,” he said. “This is not ‘goodbye,’ but more of a ‘see you soon!’”
Looking Forward to New Challenges
Komori urges his successor, Keiji Yuasa, to rely on Muratec USA’s strong management as well as support from MML, as he takes on the role of president. Time flies very quickly in the role, and Komori said he hopes Yuasa will enjoy the work and living in the U.S.
Komori said he appreciates the support of Muratec employees and looks forward to the new challenges his global role will bring. He’s also looking forward to returning to the U.S. occasionally to work with Muratec’s Machine Tools Division and the employees he’s gotten to know over the past five years.
Besides that, he hopes to hike and collect more fish tales while he’s stateside.
“There are still so many destinations and target fish left on my bucket list,” he said.
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