“He is an exceptional leader who will support our vision of being the pioneer and global leader in the metals industry,” said Satoru Iijima, outgoing chief executive officer of Primetals Technologies. Iijima will continue to serve as director of the board and fellow advisor to the company.

According to a press release, Ikeda has held several other roles within the company throughout the years including manager, global sales for Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery and chief executive officer of Primetals Technologies USA. He is currently chief financial officer at Primetals Technologies. 

“The metals industry is in an interesting and at the same time challenging phase. Working with customers in every corner of the globe, our role is to innovate the industry and redefine how sustainable metals are produced,” said Ikeda.

In addition to Ikeda’s promotion, Andreas Weinhengst and Karl Purkarthofer have been appointed as chief financial officer and chief operating officer, respectively. In April of last year, Purkarthofer also became chief executive officer of Primetals Technologies Austria, a role which he will maintain in addition to his new one.

“Primetals Technologies is an international community of more than 7,000 metals engineers and specialists. Together, we take on these challenges, and I really look forward to being part of this endeavor,” said Ikeda.