#USA #Minneapolis #Daikin Applied #Yu Nishiwaki #VAHVAC Solutions

Daikin Applied Appoints New Leadership Team

In a significant move to bolster its operational capabilities, Daikin Applied has announced the appointment of a new leadership team, effective July 1, 2026. Yu Nishiwaki has been designated as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, while James Moe takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Hirokazu Hirao has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Manufacturing. This strategic reshuffling aims to enhance the company's ability to meet the growing demands of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector across various industries, including commercial buildings, healthcare, education, and data centers.

Leadership Overview

Yu Nishiwaki - President and CEO

Yu Nishiwaki, previously the Chief Operating Officer, will now lead Daikin Applied into its next growth phase. With nearly 30 years of experience at Daikin, Nishiwaki has held key positions such as General Manager for Daikin Air Conditioning Italy and Vice President of Strategic Planning for Daikin Applied Americas. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the necessity of evolving alongside customer demands.

Nishiwaki stated, "It is an honor to serve as President and CEO of Daikin Applied. The talent and commitment of our people instills confidence in our future endeavors." His vision for the company includes strengthening customer relationships and fostering innovation, which he believes will deliver value for clients in diverse sectors.

James Moe - Chief Operating Officer

James Moe's extensive experience with Daikin Applied began in 2016, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the company's growth and profitability. As COO, Moe will oversee the integration of Daikin's Air Handling, Chiller, and Applied Terminal Systems business units, in addition to managing sales, service, solutions, and Alliance Air Products.

He commented on his new role, highlighting the importance of cohesive operations in creating a superior customer experience. Moe's leadership style focuses on collaboration and efficiency, which he believes will enable the organization to meet contemporary challenges effectively.

Hirokazu Hirao - Chief Operating Officer of Manufacturing

Bringing over 37 years of industry experience to the table, Hirokazu Hirao previously held the General Manager position within Daikin's global Applied Solutions Business Division. His expertise will significantly contribute to scaling production capabilities and maintaining operational excellence. Hirao is committed to ensuring consistency in manufacturing processes to meet rising customer expectations.

He remarked, "As Daikin Applied expands its solutions portfolio and production capabilities, our manufacturing operations must be a source of strength. I am focused on driving consistency and operational excellence across our footprint."

The Future of Daikin Applied

The restructuring of Daikin Applied's leadership marks a pivotal moment for the company as it aims to enhance operational execution and ultimately fulfill its ambitious growth targets under its Fusion30 global vision. The company is also making considerable investments, including a $163 million state-of-the-art R&D test lab in Plymouth, Minnesota, to further empower its solutions within the HVAC domain.

Daikin Applied's proactive approach towards advancing technologies not only meets current demands but also anticipates future needs, especially concerning AI-driven workloads and cloud computing growth, which have heightened the demand for efficient HVAC solutions.

Through the united efforts of Nishiwaki, Moe, and Hirao, Daikin Applied is poised for success in delivering high-performance building technologies and services that address the evolving needs of its customers. This new leadership alignment resembles an invigorated commitment to operational excellence and innovation within the HVAC industry, ultimately crafting sustainable and efficient environments for businesses worldwide.

For more information on Daikin Applied's solutions and innovations, visit Daikin Applied or call 800-432-1342.