Yamazaki Mazak (www.mazakeu.co.uk) has appointed Richard Smith as its new European group managing director, with responsibility for all of Mazak’s operations in Europe, including its manufacturing operations in the UK; he takes over from Marcus Burton, who remains with the company in a non-executive role.

Mr Smith joined Mazak in 1987 and has since undertaken roles in manufacturing, purchasing, customer service and product management. He became European group product director in 2005, and his most recent role was deputy group managing director Europe (operations).

Mr Smith said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the Mazak team in Europe. These are exciting times for the company, with the recently announced investment in our European manufacturing plant in Worcester starting to make a real impact, alongside the introduction of many new machines to our range.

“Our challenge is to continue to support our European customers in their on-going quest to modernise and further enhance their productivity.”

Mr Smith will be supported by Bruno Munier, who recently assumed the role of deputy European managing director (sales).

He will be responsible for overseeing the sales and marketing strategy for Mazak’s European operating companies.