Kubota Corporation has named Yuichi "Ken" Kitao as new President of Kubota Tractor Corporation, based in Torrance, Calif.

Kitao, who earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tokyo University, has been with Kubota Corporation for 32 years in the company’s engineering and tractor machinery division. Kitao, most recently, served as general manager, tractor division, at Kubota’s farm and machinery division in Japan.

He held positions previously in the United States with Kubota Tractor Corporation’s Central Division from 1999 to 2000 in Texas.

"Kubota is committed to leading the industry in engineering and manufacturing the highest quality, most versatile products in the tractor, construction/utility equipment and specialized turf product markets on a global basis. Kubota Corporation is recognized worldwide for innovative machinery technologies, quality products and long-term value and durability," said Kitao, who joined Kubota Tractor Corporation as president in early 2011. Kitao is also an executive officer of Kubota Corporation.

"We are committed to our strong dealer network and our customers in the United States. Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) offers Kubota-designed, engineered and manufactured equipment, including Kubota engines, suited to agricultural, industrial, land-owner and recreational applications. Many KTC products are manufactured here in the U.S. Kubota Corporation is dedicated to improving and investing in our equipment manufacturing business in the U.S. and globally, to provide our dealers and their customers with the highest quality, industry leading equipment," Kitao added.

Kitao succeeds Satoshi Iida, president of Kubota Tractor Corporation 2009 through 2010. Iida has been promoted to the position of general manager of machinery division international operations in Osaka, Japan.