Keith Kratzberg to Succeed Retiring John Lang as Epson America President, CEO

Keith Kratzberg

LONG BEACH, Calif. — April 28, 2016 — Epson America, regional headquarters of Seiko Epson, today announced that John Lang, president and CEO will retire effective June 30, 2016. As part of a planned succession, Keith Kratzberg, currently senior VP, will assume the role of president and CEO as of July 1, 2016.

Lang joined Epson America in 1987 and has served as president and CEO for the past 14 years. In this role, he has been the driving force behind the company's strategic direction and consistently strong operational performance. He led the company through a period of unprecedented change in technology, markets and customers. Under his leadership, Epson significantly grew a wide-range of businesses in over 20 countries in North and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Lang was also instrumental in dramatically expanding Epson's strategic focus from a consumer and small business printer manufacturer to a market leader in businesses as diverse as robotics, textile printing, augmented reality display technology, and point of sale solutions. Under Lang, Epson America has grown its branded market share to a number one or two position in virtually all of the categories it competes in and has grown the company's operations to more than 2,000 employees in North and Latin America with revenues in excess of $2.5 billion.

John Lang

"Since I began at Epson almost three decades ago, I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with an incredible team of professionals across the Americas, at our Seiko Epson headquarters and around the world," says Lang. "Together we have helped bring innovative, reliable and easy-to-use technology solutions that enrich all aspects of our customers' lives — from business to the home. It has been an honor to be part of a company that has set a high bar for integrity, quality and collaboration."

Keith Kratzberg joined Epson in 1996 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in product development, marketing, sales, strategy, and general management. Since 2011, he has held the position of senior VP, sales and marketing, most recently successfully expanding his management and oversight to the Latin America region of Epson America. Kratzberg has been responsible for driving innovation and market leadership across Epson's wide range of consumer and commercial imaging products, 3LCD projectors and point-of-service solutions.

"With over 20 years at Epson America, and 11 years as a member of our senior management team, Keith's extensive experience in overseeing all aspects of the business combined with his consistent track record of driving revenue growth makes him the ideal person to lead Epson America's next phase of growth," notes Lang. "Keith's experience at Epson and market knowledge will ensure a seamless transition."

Commenting on his new position, Kratzberg adds, "I am very excited to step into this role and look forward to further enhancing Epson America's position as a market leader. I'm honored to have been affiliated with the management, employees, partners, and customers of Epson under John Lang's leadership and look forward to continuing to grow and develop his legacy of leadership, innovation and partnership. Moreover, I appreciate the support Seiko Epson has shown me in this transition and look forward to continuing the growth of the Epson brand in the Americas."

About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson, the Epson Group comprises more than 67,000 employees in 90 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

Epson America, based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com.

Source: Epson America.