Get to know the Kobelco Aluminum Automotive Products’ executive team, the visionaries behind the daily operations. The team, like every employee, practices Sei shin sei i, putting their heart and soul into their work at KAAP. From their strategic planning to their hands-on involvement, the executive team’s passion and expertise drive KAAP’s success.
President
Bio
Gaku Mitsumatsu has worked for Kobe Steel in Japan for over 30 years. He was originally an engineer in the aluminum sheet/plate business, but in the latter half of his career, He was involved in business planning, technology development planning, and capital investment planning for the entire non-ferrous metals business. Since 2020, he has overseen the entire aluminum suspension business across Japan, the United States, and China. Gaku Mitsumatsu has served as president at KAAP since April 2024.
Vice President
Bio
Masaaki Nishibata has worked for Kobe Steel in Japan for over 30 years. During this time, he was involved in the aluminum casting and forging business; at KAAP, Masaaki Nishibata has played an instrumental part in the business expansion by launching many products into mass production since the company’s establishment in 2005. Masaaki Nishibata has been serving as KAAP Vice President since 2018.
Plant Manager
Bio
Michael Wright has over 25 years of experience in automotive component manufacturing. He has more than 16 years served at KAAP. During his career Michael Wright has held multiple engineering and leadership positions and is currently serving as the Plant Manager since 2020. Michael Wright has a background and education in design, testing, engineering, machining, and management.
