Cleveland/Srixon installs new Japanese leader

By E Michael Johnson

It didn't take long for Cleveland/Srixon to name a new boss after Greg Hopkins' resignation Sept. 25. In a press release this afternoon, the company announced Hideki Sano as its chairman, effective January 1, 2013.   After earning a Master's degree in engineering from Osaka University in Japan, Sano joined Sumitomo Group in 1977, working his way up the ranks of the Dunlop Sports division, developing a strong background in R&D and production. Sano was executive officer of production engineering in 2004 and became a member of the board of directors in 2007. His most recent role was as executive director of R&D, Production, Purchasing and Logistics, as well as maintaining his membership on the Board. Sano's name also has appeared on golf-ball patents. "I fully expect that making this organizational change in the North American business unit, with the team being led by Sano, will bring further improvement of the brand value of Cleveland Golf/Srixon," said Yasushi Nojiri, President and Representative Director of Dunlop Sports.