La Mirada, California-based Makita U.S.A. hired Sean Okada to lead the power tools manufacturer’s strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and expand its market presence in the United States.

Okada, who will succeed Terry Nozawa, previously served as President of Makita Australia for seven years, and has also held leadership positions at Makita United Kingdom and Makita Gulf in Dubai.

“His extensive experience and strategic approach to business make him the ideal leader to take the company into its next chapter of growth and innovation,” said Rich Chapman, Senior Executive Vice President of Sales at Makita U.S.A. in a Sept. 21 news release.

Key initiatives Okada will lead include:

• expansion of the company’s XGT System of equipment and tools, which will push cordless technology into more professional applications,
• offering more premium solutions in the accessory category, and;
• high standards in distribution, training, and after-sales service.

Okada’s arrival follows significant Makita expansion and growth in the United States, which Okada says is the “most competitive power tool market in the world.”

In the past five years Makita has constructed over 1 million square feet of distribution, warehouse, and service space as well as dedicated training centers in three facilities in Reno, Nevada, Wilmer, Texas, and Flowery Branch, Georgia.