Richard Smith appointed to head UK sales at Mazak

Richard Smith has been appointed to the role of managing director UK & Ireland sales division at Yamazaki Mazak, with responsibility for sales and customer support for Mazak's range of metalcutting machine tools and laser processing machines.

Mr Smith, who will report to group managing director Europe Marcus Burton, took up his new role on July 7th, following the retirement of Mazak's UK sales director, Tony Saunders.

Mr Smith joined Mazak in 1987 as a graduate production engineer. Over the last 25 years he has fulfilled a number of key roles in manufacturing, purchasing, customer service and applications and has been closely involved in many of Mazak's most significant developments in the UK.

As product director he was involved in the development and marketing of the successful VTC 800 series of machines, which are manufactured in the UK. His current role is European group product director working directly with the European sales companies on business development, marketing and sales. He lives in Worcester and has an MBA from Warwick University.

Marcus Burton commented: “Tony has made an enormous contribution to developing Mazak's current position in the UK market. He has been a very high profile and popular figure amongst Mazak UK employees and our customers who have relied on his knowledge and technical expertise for many years.”

He continued: “Richard's appointment will ensure a smooth transition following Tony's retirement. His experience and knowledge of the Mazak range will enable him to maintain and develop strong customer relationships amongst those who value Mazak machines and our ability to deliver close application support.”

Yamazaki Mazak
www.mazak.eu