SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- DENSO has announced that Yoshiki "Steve" Sekiguchi has been named president and CEO of DENSO International America (DIAM), DENSO's North American headquarters, effective immediately. Sekiguchi is a managing officer of DENSO Corp., and replaces Haruya "Harry" Maruyama, who will return to Japan to head the Global Sales and Business Development Department, Toyota Sales Department, Chubu Sales Department and the Hiroshima Branch Office.

In 1978, Sekiguchi began his career in the Aftermarket Department of DENSO Corp. (formerly Nippondenso) responsible for aftermarket sales in Thailand. In 1984, he was transferred to DENSO Sales California Inc. (formerly Nippondenso Los Angeles), where Sekiguchi helped increase Original Equipment Manufacturer and aftermarket sales in North America. After returning to Japan in 1990, he served in various sales positions, including the Toyota Sales Department and the Sales Planning Department, where he broadened his sales and marketing experience and contributed to DENSO's global sales expansion.

Sekiguchi was promoted to general manager of the Sales and Planning Department in 2007, where he was responsible for product planning, international business planning and marketing. In June 2008, Sekiguchi was named one of DENSO's managing officers.

As president and CEO of DIAM, Sekiguchi also will serve as chair of the board of directors for the North American DENSO Group.