Kubota names Shingo Hanada as new President and CEO
Kubota Corporation announces the appointment of Shingo Hanada as its new President and Representative Director, Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026.
JAPAN – Kubota Corporation has confirmed a leadership transition as part of its management restructure for 2026.
The company’s Board of Directors approved the appointment of Mr. Shingo Hanada as President and Representative Director, CEO, succeeding Mr. Yuichi Kitao, who will take on the role of Chairman and Representative Director.
Kubota said the appointment marks the start of its next mid-term business plan and supports its long-term vision focused on solving social issues in food, water, and the environment. “We have appointed Mr. Hanada, who possesses the leadership qualities and global management experience needed to drive the company forward under the new structure,” the board stated.
Currently serving as Executive Vice President, Mr. Hanada has led Kubota’s Farm and Industrial Machinery Division and the Innovation Center. His promotion reflects Kubota’s commitment to enhancing decision-making speed and strengthening global competitiveness.
Born on November 14, 1963, Mr. Hanada graduated with a bachelor’s degree in law from Tohoku University in 1989 and joined Kubota the same year.
Over more than three decades, he has held key roles across Kubota’s domestic and global operations, including General Manager of the Tractor Planning and Sales Promotion Department, President of Kubota Holdings Europe B.V., and President of Kubota North America Corporation.
In 2024, he became Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, followed by promotion in 2025 to Representative Director and Executive Vice President.
Mr. Hanada currently oversees the Farm and Industrial Machinery Consolidated Division and the Innovation Center and owns 25,398 shares of Kubota Corporation as of October 22, 2025.
Strategic shift amid technological breakthroughs
The leadership change coincides with a major milestone for the company. On September 27, 2025, Kubota unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered driverless tractor at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The 100-horsepower machine runs on a hydrogen fuel cell stack and can work for nearly half a day on a single refuel.
The tractor has no driver’s seat and operates through remote control and AI-driven navigation. “This tractor combines autonomous driving with zero-emission hydrogen power to help solve labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture,” Kubota said during the launch.
Equipped with cameras and sensors, it detects obstacles or people in its path and stops instantly to prevent accidents. It also allows off-site monitoring through network connection, enabling farmers to manage it from a distance.
Kubota’s upcoming management structure, effective January 2026, will introduce new Chief Officer positions overseeing business planning, technology, manufacturing, safety, compliance, ICT, and human resources, all reporting directly to the President.
The company said these changes will create a faster, more flexible organization capable of delivering innovation while meeting sustainability goals. “Through these changes, we aim to build stronger operations and deliver sustainable growth in line with our long-term vision,” Kubota stated.
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