Koji Sakatani appointed CEO of Primetals Technologies to lead next phase of transformation!

Primetals Technologies has announced the appointment of Koji Sakatani as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. He succeeds Yoshiharu Ikeda, who retires after a distinguished tenure that played a key role in strengthening the company’s global presence and technological leadership.

Sakatani brings extensive experience across the metals and heavy industry sectors, with a career spanning several decades. He began his professional journey at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, where he held multiple senior leadership roles across global operations. Over the years, he developed deep expertise in large-scale industrial systems, infrastructure and strategic business management.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Sakatani served as Head of Strategy at Primetals Technologies, where he was instrumental in shaping the company’s long-term direction. His earlier role as Vice President of Plants and Infrastructure Systems further strengthened his understanding of complex industrial operations and global project execution. This combination of strategic and operational experience positions him strongly to lead the company into its next growth phase.

In his new role, Sakatani will focus on driving innovation and accelerating the transformation of the metals industry. A key priority will be advancing sustainable steelmaking technologies, including hydrogen-based production, direct reduction processes and electrification. These technologies are becoming increasingly critical as the industry works to reduce carbon emissions and meet global sustainability targets.

He also emphasized the growing importance of digitalization and service-driven business models in improving operational efficiency and supporting decarbonization. By integrating advanced automation, data analytics and digital solutions, Primetals aims to help customers optimize performance while reducing environmental impact.

Sakatani acknowledged the strong foundation established by his predecessor and expressed confidence in the company’s future. With a global workforce of over 7,000 professionals, Primetals Technologies is well positioned to lead innovation in metals engineering and support customers in navigating the transition toward more sustainable production methods.

In addition to his responsibilities as CEO, Sakatani will serve as interim Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Andreas Weinhengst, who is also retiring. This dual role is expected to ensure continuity and stability during the leadership transition.

Overall, the appointment of Koji Sakatani marks a significant leadership transition for Primetals Technologies. With a clear focus on sustainability, digitalization and advanced manufacturing technologies, the company is positioning itself to play a leading role in shaping the future of the global metals industry.