MARKHAM, Ontario -- NGK Spark Plugs Canada Ltd. has promoted Tom Yamaguchi to president effective July 1. Yamaguchi previously served as vice president and is a 14-year veteran of NGK Spark Plugs Co. Ltd. He also served as assistant to the president in the NGK U.S.A. office from 2006 until his transfer to the Canada office in 2007.

In his new role, Yamaguchi will oversee all functions for NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited. He replaces Shinichi Odo, who is returning to Japan to assume the position of director – automotive division.

Commenting on his appointment, Yamaguchi was quoted as saying, “Our people and products set the standard for quality in Canada. The aftermarket industry has been very good to NGK Canada and I am very excited to lead our team and support our customers by improving our practices.”

During his time in the United States, Yamaguchi’s primary responsibility was as sales administration manager. The main function of this position was to oversee the company’s business plan, as well as production and inventory control. With that experience, in June 2007, he was transferred to NGK Canada in order to improve the inventory situation in Canada. Yamaguchi says that his experience in NGK USA helped him transition to his new position smoothly. He also feels that “Delivery is Key” to maintaining customer service. He helped lead a team to reduce inventory levels in Canada, the result of which was a 40 percent reduction from the previous years.

Yamaguchi joined NGK in 1995 in the Japan headquarters. His first responsibilities were to support the North and Central American divisions from the Overseas Sales and Marketing department. In October of 2000, Yamaguchi transferred to the USA office in Irvine, Calif., before relocating to Wixom, Mich., which is now the headquarters for the USA division.