Yanmar CE appoints global CEO

Japan-based Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. has appointed José Cuadrado as global CEO and board chair of its Yanmar Compact Equipment (Yanmar CE) business unit effective April 1.

Cuadrado replaces Giuliano Parodi, who Yanmar says for the last six years has successfully led the transformation of Yanmar CE into a "global leader," and is now transferring to manage the Yanmar Group’s Strategy Division as chief strategy officer.

Cuadrado is a 25-year industry veteran who Yanmar says brings with him a wealth of relevant construction, industrial and automotive experience, working at leading brands that include Ingersol Rand, Doosan and CNH Industrial.

Cuadrodo joined Yanmar CE in early 2023 as managing director of the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Those markets produce one-third of the company’s global sales.

A search has begun for his replacement, but in the meantime Cuadrado will fulfill both global CEO and EMEA roles until a successor is appointed. During that stretch he will work from his current office in Ireland.

“I fully support our current strategy to become a leader in the compact equipment industry,” Cuadrado says. “To achieve this, we will continue our journey to become a truly global company, focusing on extending our product portfolio and strengthening our dealer network across all major markets.

“Equally important, we have very ambitious and exciting plans to embrace upcoming technologies. I’m very pleased to be given this opportunity to continue the good work that has happened under Giuliano’s leadership.”

Cuadrado holds a master’s degree in business and economics from the University of Valladolid in Spain.

In his new role, Cuadrado will be responsible for leading increased organizational integration and improving financial performance, as well as driving customer success through best-in-class product development.

“José is an experienced and dynamic leader and, having helped shape the strategy as part of the global leadership team since joining the company, is fully aligned to our goals and aspirations," Parodi says.

Yanmar Compact Equipment says it is the first company to go to market with a mini excavator in 1968, and as the inventor of the zero-tail excavator in 1993.

The business unit operates four plants—in Japan, France, Germany and in Minnesota in the United States—to deliver its products and services to the global market. Its product line includes mini-excavators, wheel loaders, tool carriers and attachments.