Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Africa, which is constructing the boilers for Eskom’s new Medupi and Kusile power stations, has announced a revised top structure, including a new executive chairman and a new chief executive. In changes that take effect at the Johannesburg-based company on 1 December 2014, Eitaro Takayama becomes executive chairman, replacing Colin Bailey, the current chairman and acting CEO, who has decided to step down and return to the United Kingdom in December.
Toshinori Shigenaka takes over as chief executive officer on the same date. Hirosumi Sometani becomes chief commercial officer, while Shiro Ishise becomes executive director, projects. Takayama was previously Senior General Manager, Plant Construction in the MHPS engineering headquarters. Shigenaka was executive officer at the company’s Kure Works near Hiroshima.
The changes were announced by Takato Nishizawa, President and CEO of the Japanese parent company, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems. The company was formed in February 2014, integrating the global thermal power generation systems businesses of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Hitachi, Ltd. The South African subsidiary, MHPSA, took over the Medupi and Kusile boiler contracts awarded to Hitachi, now part of the merged entity. MHPS Japan became the majority shareholder in the South African operation in October, acquiring the 75% shareholding previously held by Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Europe. The remaining 25% is held by a Black Economic Empowerment partner, Kagosano MPC.
With world-class technologies, MHPSA aims to become the dominant thermal power business in Africa, providing and servicing gas and coal-fired power plants and their components, including turbines, generators and boilers.