Komatsu America announce CEO transition
Long-time chief executive officer and chairman Rod Schrader to retire; Rod Bull named successor
KOMATSU America Corp. has announced that Rod Schrader will step down from his chairman and chief executive officer roles on 31 March, and will fully retire effective 30 June 2025. Rod Bull will become chief executive officer of Komatsu North America Corp. effective 1 April 2025.
Mr Bull currently serves as executive vice-president of Komatsu’s North America region. He brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience in the heavy equipment manufacturing industry, including 14 years with Komatsu.
‘It has been an incredible honour to lead Komatsu America and their talented team across the US and Canada,’ said Mr Schrader. ‘I am proud of all that we have accomplished, and I have full confidence that Rod will continue to propel the company forward with a clear vision and strategic leadership.’
Since joining Komatsu in 1987 as a product manager, Mr Schrader has held various roles within the company covering marketing, sales, and management. In 2015, he was appointed senior executive officer of Komatsu Ltd, headquartered in Tokyo. He has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Komatsu America Corp. since 2012, overseeing the company’s large manufacturing footprint as well as product distribution for construction, forestry, mining and utility equipment, technology and services.
Under Mr Schrader’s leadership, Komatsu revitalized and expanded their mining dumptruck business, strengthened their dealer network, introduced Smart Construction and Smart Quarry technologies, and efficiently integrated Joy Global (now Komatsu Mining Corp.) into the Komatsu family.
‘Komatsu have a strong legacy of innovation and excellence, and I am honoured to step into the role of chief executive officer,’ said Mr Bull. ‘I look forward to working with our employees, customers, dealers, and other partners to build on our success and continue driving growth in the years ahead.’
Mr Bull has been with Komatsu since 2011 and has held numerous senior leadership roles, including general manager of the Western US region, vice-president and general manager of Loader Parts, and vice-president and general manager of the North America Mining Division. Prior to joining Komatsu, he had 10 years of experience within the industry in various commercial roles.
‘I want to thank Rod Schrader for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Komatsu over the past 38 years. His contributions have been innumerous, and we congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement,’ said Hiroyuki Ogawa, president and chief executive officer of Komatsu Ltd. ‘We are confident that Rod Bull is the right person to guide the company into its next chapter and are looking forward to his leadership.’
Meanwhile, Komatsu have announced plans for Mr Ogawa to transition from his current role during this fiscal year, to assume the role of chairman of Komatsu Ltd, succeeding Tetsuji Ohashi. Upon this transition, Takuya Imayoshi, currently serving as senior executive officer, will take over as president chief executive officer of Komatsu Ltd.
