Masanori Togawa

Masanori Togawa
Born	January 11, 1949 Japan
Nationality	Japanese
Occupation	Chairman and CEO, Daikin Industries Ltd.
Known for	Leadership in HVAC-R innovation, Global expansion of Daikin

Masanori Togawa is a veteran Japanese business executive and the current Chairman and CEO of Daikin Industries Ltd. With over five decades of service at Daikin, he is credited with transforming the company into a global leader in HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) systems through strategic leadership, technological innovation, and global expansion.

Early Career at Daikin

Togawa joined Daikin Industries in April 1973, beginning a career marked by progressive leadership roles. He became a Director in 2002, rose to Senior Executive Officer in 2004, and was appointed President and COO in June 2011. In 2014, he took over as President and CEO, and in June 2024, he became Chairman of the Board and CEO. His tenure represents an era of consistent growth, internationalization, and product innovation at Daikin.

Leadership and Innovation

As CEO, Togawa spearheaded Daikin's expansion into international markets and invested heavily in research and development:

• Led the company into new territories with a global footprint in Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Prioritized high-value-added products such as heat pumps and environmentally sustainable air-conditioning solutions.
• Established a €140 million R&D center in Ghent, Belgium, reinforcing Daikin’s commitment to innovation and green technology.

His strategy emphasized integrating sustainability with growth, particularly in response to global climate goals and energy efficiency standards.

Honors and Recognition

In recognition of his contribution to Japan-Belgium economic ties, Togawa was honored as a Commander in the Order of Leopold by the Kingdom of Belgium in May 2024. This prestigious award—Belgium’s highest civilian honor for foreigners—was presented at the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo by Ambassador Antoine Evrard.

Challenges and Controversies

In March 2022, Togawa faced public scrutiny regarding PFOA contamination near Daikin's Yodogawa Plant. During a press inquiry, he declined to comment on compensatory measures for affected residents, stating "No comment." The incident raised concerns around environmental accountability in industrial operations, placing focus on Daikin’s responsibility practices.

Strategic Collaborations and Global Influence

Throughout his career, Togawa has worked alongside senior leaders such as Jiro Tomita, Masatsugu Minaka, and Yoshihiro Mineno, helping shape Daikin’s global strategy. His efforts have:

• Strengthened Daikin’s reputation as a global HVAC innovator.
• Aligned product development with sustainable practices.
• Expanded Daikin’s B2B and residential reach across multiple continents.

Daikin’s 100-Year Milestone

In 2024, Daikin Industries celebrated its 100th anniversary, with Togawa at the helm during this historic period. The centennial milestone marked a renewed commitment to energy efficiency, carbon neutrality, and next-generation HVAC technologies. Togawa’s leadership was instrumental in positioning Daikin as a global benchmark for climate control solutions.

Conclusion

Masanori Togawa has played a transformative role in building Daikin Industries into a global HVAC-R giant. His blend of visionary leadership, global strategic thinking, and focus on sustainability has redefined the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. As Daikin looks toward the future, Togawa remains a central figure in guiding its next phase of innovation and global impact.