Takeshi Yamada Takes Over as New President of iRobot Japan

Leadership Transition at iRobot Japan

iRobot Japan, a key player in home robotics, has officially announced a significant change in its leadership. Effective November 1, 2025, Takeshi Yamada will be taking over the role of President from Motoharu Hirano, who has served the company for an impressive decade. This transition marks a strategic move aimed at furthering the company's growth and adaptation in the competitive market of automated cleaning products.

A Brief Overview of the Leadership Change

The announcement comes as Hirano celebrates ten years of leadership at iRobot Japan, a tenure that has seen the company flourish in the region. Yamada, who has been associated with iRobot since its inception in Japan, previously served as Vice President under Hirano’s guidance since 2023. His deep-rooted understanding of both the company and the local market is expected to play a pivotal role in continuing the growth trajectory established by his predecessor.

Hirano will not be leaving the company entirely; instead, he will continue to serve as a Senior Executive Advisor until January 31, 2026. This arrangement ensures a smooth transition, allowing Yamada to benefit from Hirano's insights and experience as he steps into the top role.

Takeshi Yamada's Vision

Takeshi Yamada, born in 1977 in Tokyo, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Having started his career in 2001 at Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic), he was involved in sales and marketing, particularly for the digital camera line, LUMIX. In 2015, Yamada joined iRobot Corporation in the United States, quickly ascending to leadership roles within the company.

His achievements include spearheading marketing efforts in the Asia-Pacific region and overseeing the launch of innovative products such as the subscription service 'Robot Smart Plan' and the programming robot 'Root'. His dedication to the home robotics industry and consumer engagement has been recognized, and he now underscores his intent to enrich the lives of Japanese consumers through enhanced product offerings.

In his words, Yamada expressed, "Taking over from a leader with such significant accomplishments as Hirano is a considerable responsibility, but I am committed to building a new iRobot Japan through products and services that enhance daily life. Together with my team, we will continue to innovate and rise to the challenges ahead; I hope our customers will stay tuned for what we have planned!"

Yamada is also known for his active lifestyle and loves spending time with his pet dog. He holds a Master’s degree from Aoyama Gakuin University Graduate School of International Management, which adds to his credentials as a leader expected to steer the company towards success.

Conclusion

This leadership change signals a new chapter for iRobot Japan. As Yamada steps into his new role, the company is poised for continued success, driven by innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of consumers. With Hirano's legacy of success as a foundation, and Yamada's vision for the future, the future looks promising for iRobot Japan.

Both Hirano's and Yamada's contributions underline iRobot Japan's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, showcasing their dedication to creating a seamless and enriching robotic experience for consumers in Japan. The transition is not just a shift in leadership; it's a renewed promise to the community that iRobot Japan aims to serve better than ever before.