Yuichi Yamamura brings a strong background in corporate finance and strategic planning, positioning him to drive JCM-E’s continued expansion across the EMEA region. As the company adapts to evolving industry demands, Yamamura’s leadership will focus on strengthening governance, enhancing risk management, and unlocking new business opportunities.

“JCM-E has built a strong reputation for innovation and teamwork, and I’m honoured to take on this role,” said Yuichi Yamamura. “With the EMEA region’s vast market potential, my focus will be on ensuring our internal structure supports future growth while continuing to provide the highest level of service to our customers.”

Departing Managing Director Mitsuhiro Ueno, who successfully guided JCM-E through the challenges of the pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, reflected on his time in Europe:

“Leading JCM-E during such a critical time was both a challenge and an opportunity,” said Ueno. “Thanks to a resilient and dedicated team, we overcame supply chain difficulties and ended 2024 with strong results. I am confident that under Yamamura’s leadership, JCM-E will continue to thrive.”

Meet Yuichi Yamamura: A Fresh Vision for JCM-E

Q: You joined JCM HQ in May 2024 and later transitioned to JCM-E. What are your first impressions of JCM and the customers in the gaming and retail sectors?

Yuichi Yamamura: JCM is not a large corporate giant, but it has built a strong reputation by consistently innovating and supporting customers with high-quality cash handling solutions. What stands out to me is JCM’s dedication to its products and the strength of its global team. I come from a corporate finance background, where I’ve worked with many industries, and I can already see how JCM’s commitment to innovation and service sets it apart.

Q: What are the key challenges and opportunities for JCM-E?

Yuichi Yamamura: JCM-E operates across the EMEA region, which includes a diverse range of countries, each with its own language, currency, and regulatory landscape. Adapting to this complexity is a challenge, but it also presents a huge opportunity. The EMEA region has a population of over two billion people, and I believe we can expand our business by enhancing our contributions to economic activity in these markets.

Q: What will be your main priorities in this new role?

Yuichi Yamamura: I see a tremendous opportunity for growth at JCM-E, but to support this expansion, we need a stronger governance structure. My main focus will be on strengthening internal controls, corporate planning, and risk management to ensure we meet evolving regulatory requirements. By enhancing our foundation, we can drive sustainable growth and continue delivering the best solutions to our customers.

Q: You are taking over from Mitsuhiro Ueno, who led JCM-E during a challenging time. Any thoughts on his contribution?

Yuichi Yamamura: He faced an incredibly difficult situation with COVID-19 disrupting supply chains and increasing costs. However, he successfully built a strong, cohesive team in Europe, and I am honoured to carry forward his work and further develop JCM-E.

Farewell to Mitsuhiro Ueno: Reflections on Leading JCM-E

Q: You joined JCM in 2020 and took over as Managing Director of JCM-E in 2021. What was your biggest challenge?

Mitsuhiro Ueno: When I arrived in Düsseldorf, Germany, the world was still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges was the global supply chain crisis, which meant we struggled to meet customer demand due to shortages of parts and skyrocketing costs. However, through strong teamwork and resilience, JCM-E navigated these difficulties, and by 2023, we saw stabilization in production and lead times, leading to a successful year in 2024.

Q: What were your impressions of working in Germany and the wider European market?

Mitsuhiro Ueno: Arriving in Germany in September, I quickly learned that dark, rainy winters were quite different from what I was used to! (laughs) Social life was initially difficult due to language barriers and COVID restrictions, but over time, I came to appreciate the rich cultural diversity, the incredible food, and the vibrant business environment.

Q: What are your plans after leaving JCM-E?

Mitsuhiro Ueno: I will return to Japan in February and resume work at JCM Headquarters, where I will focus on the company’s global strategy. My priority is to maintain strong relationships with JCM-E and its customers, ensuring we continue to expand and improve our offerings worldwide.

Q: Any final words for your colleagues at JCM-E?

Mitsuhiro Ueno: I’ve always believed in the power of teamwork and communication. My message to my colleagues is simple: stay united as “one team” and continue to communicate openly—both within the company and with our customers—to achieve shared goals. I’m grateful for my time here and look forward to seeing how JCM-E continues to grow.