Rodger Howe, a veteran Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. executive, has been promoted to executive director of Kawasaki’s Engines and Power Products Division, based here. Howe, who spent 18 years in sales and marketing of the company’s consumer products, has held senior management positions with the division since 2005.  His most recent title was Senior Director, Operations.

 “Rodger’s responsibilities have been broadened so that his valuable experience with the company can be applied in areas that will provide even greater support to our long-term growth goals, “ said Fumihiro (Clint) Ohno, General Manager.

Howe, who has held management positions in virtually every area of KMC activities—including sales, marketing, and operations—will now add to his duties with responsibility for reviewing and developing long-range business plan needs and strategies.  He will also concentrate on the development of cohesive succession planning within the division. 

Howe will also assume management oversight for the division’s human resources business needs and will coordinate activities between the Grand Rapids divisional office and Kawasaki’s human resources group.

The new executive eirector will continue to support the general manager in areas key to the company’s ongoing direction and policies, according to Ohno.

Kawasaki Engines and Power Products, a division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., distributes gasoline engines and professional handheld power products for landscape, industrial, and consumer markets.  The division is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., and services customers through its network of more than 7,500 independent dealers through the United States, Canada, and U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific, including Guam.