SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- DENSO today announced that Hikaru "Howard" Sugi will be president and CEO of DENSO International America (DIAM), DENSO's North American headquarters, effective June 22. Sugi is senior executive director of DENSO Corp. and replaces Yoshiki "Steve" Sekiguchi, who is retiring from the company. As president and CEO of DIAM, Sugi also will serve as chair of the board of directors for the North American DENSO Group.  

Prior to being named president of DIAM, Sugi oversaw the Engineering Research and Development Center, Hybrid System Engineering Department and New Business Promotion Department. He will continue to serve in these roles, as well as president of DIAM and DENSO in North America.

Sugi's extensive experience in R&D and product development will help strengthen and expand DENSO's engineering capability in North America, the company says.