Ray Penny Appointed President of Mitutoyo Europe, Marking a New Era of Regional Strategy

Mitutoyo Europe has entered a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Ray Penny as its new president – the first non-Japanese national to lead the European division in the company’s 57 years on the continent. This landmark move reflects a strategic shift toward stronger regional insight and market-driven innovation.

Mitutoyo, headquartered in Japan, is a global leader in precision metrology solutions. Its European operations are extensive, with a robust network of subsidiaries, service centres, and sales offices supporting industries across the region. Mr Penny, who began his career with Mitutoyo UK in 1986 as a service technician, has steadily advanced through the organisation. His journey includes roles in technical sales, export management, and most recently as Managing Director of Mitutoyo UK and a board member for Europe. Now, as President, his remit spans the entire EMEA region.

His appointment highlights Mitutoyo’s commitment to developing internal talent and adapting to local market needs. “I’m proud of my journey at Mitutoyo,” said Mr Penny. “The company has a strong culture of nurturing talent, and I’ve always felt part of that. But commitment and continuous learning are key to success.”

A central focus of his presidency will be aligning Mitutoyo Europe more closely with local market demands. “This isn’t about wholesale change,” he explained. “But by having regional leadership, we can react faster, understand our customers better, and contribute more directly to product development.”

This direction aligns with Mitutoyo’s mid-term management plan (2024–2029), part of the company’s long-term “Vision 100” strategy, which aims to drive innovation ahead of its centenary in 2034. A major objective is to transition Mitutoyo Europe into a ‘market-in’ organisation — one where product development is influenced directly by customer needs. A new regional marketing division has already been established to support this vision.

Automation is one area Mr Penny sees as key for future growth. “We already offer a wide spectrum of technologies, but automation — especially inline measurement — presents major opportunities,” he noted. He also highlighted Mitutoyo’s expanding OEM business, helping manufacturers integrate advanced metrology solutions directly into their products.

With economic and geopolitical challenges ahead, Mr Penny remains confident. “We’ve built a strong foundation of trust and precision. Now it’s about being agile, responsive, and creative in everything we do.”