Yoshiaki Fujimori appointed chairman, president and CEO of GE Japan

Mumbai: Yoshiaki Fujimori has been named chairman, president and CEO of GE Japan effective 1 October, GE chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said. He will also continue to lead GE Money Asia, he said.

Fujimori will report to Nani Beccalli, CEO and president, GE International and William H Cary, president and CEO, GE Money.

''Japan has always been a strategically important market to GE,'' Immelt said. ''Having the ability to partner with Japanese companies and tap into leadership technology opportunities, especially as they relate to environmental developments, is critical to GE's growth. Fujimori is a true global growth leader. His extensive background in both the industrial and financial sectors, along with his strong relationships with Japanese partners will ensure that GE is equipped to maximise its growth opportunities in Japan,'' he added.

Fujimori, 57, has been president and CEO of GE Money Asia since 2005 and will continue to serve in that role. A 22-year GE veteran, Fujimori most recently negotiated the sale of GE Money's Japanese consumer finance business to Shinsei Bank. He will continue to lead this process toward a smooth transition. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2008.

''Fujimori brings a strong international perspective and leadership skills to this role,'' said Beccalli, adding, ''A key foundation of our business in Japan has and will continue to be strong technological and commercial partnerships that we are able to leverage around the world.''

''Under Fujimori's leadership, GE Money Asia has experienced strong growth through investments in emerging market banks and joint ventures with key strategic partners such as Hyundai. I'm pleased that he will continue to lead our efforts in Asia,'' William H Cary, president and CEO of GE Money, said.

Fujimori had also served as president and CEO of GE Plastics; as president and CEO of GE Medical Systems Asia; and as general manager of global MR, Nuclear and PET business.

Fujimori, who joined GE in 1986 as a business development manager for GE Japan, was named senior vice president of GE Company in 2001.

GE, a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company, has interests in energy, water, transportation and health. With customers in more than 100 countries, GE employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.