SATO announces new presidents

SATO Corporation, a leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions, has announced the appointments of J. Michael Fowler as a director of SATO International Pte Ltd. as well as president of SATO Holding Americas, Inc., and Robert Linse as president of SATO America, Inc.

SATO International Pte Ltd., located in Singapore, oversees and supports all sales, marketing, and customer service functions for SATO Corporation’s international subsidiaries. SATO Holding Americas, Inc. is a new holding company wholly owned by SATO International Pte Ltd., which oversees all functions of both SATO America, Inc. and as a result of SATO’s recent acquisition of Checkpoint Systems’ Barcode Systems business, the newly formed SATO Labeling Solutions America, Inc.

In Mr Fowler’s new positions, he will be responsible for the future growth of SATO throughout the Americas. He has over 14 years of experience with SATO America, Inc. and has worked closely with other SATO subsidiaries throughout the world.  He has held a number of key positions within SATO America including those of technical service manager, vice president of OEM Sales, general manager, and president since May 2001.

Mr Linse has been in the Auto ID marketplace since 1982 and began his career with SATO America in 1997 as new product sales/marketing manager with business development responsibilities. A year later he was named national sales manager and in 1999 was promoted to vice president sales. In 2005, Mr Linse added marketing responsibilities and was appointed vice president of sales and marketing.

As President of SATO America, Inc., Mr Linse will succeed Mr Fowler and continue to develop new channel strategies to expand and grow SATO America, Inc. In addition, he will be refocusing on SATO America’s core business in parallel with the creation of the overall vision and execution of sales, marketing and new product development efforts for SATO America, Inc., which is aimed at developing new markets and products appropriate for the Americas in accordance with the corporate vision.

’Both executives have consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, not only in delivering solid business performance, but also in establishing a corporate culture that is firmly grounded in what best defines the SATO business model and values,’ stated Mr Toshihiro Waki, managing director of SATO International Pte Ltd. and executive vice president of SATO Corporation. ‘They typify the drive and commitment required to meet the ever-increasing demands of SATO’s worldwide expansion plans.’