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TORONTO, Ontario — Honda Canada has brought in a new president and chief executive officer to take over for Manabu Nishimae, who became operating officer for regional operations, Eastern Europe, the Middle and Near East, and Africa on April 1.

Arriving in Canada and taking the president position was Masahiro Takedagawa, whose previous post was as president and CEO of Honda Motor India Private Limited, New Delhi.

"I am pleased to be in Canada where Honda has become such a well-respected brand and has built a strong relationship with so many customers," shared Takedagawa. "I am looking forward to bringing my years of experience working in numerous markets around the world, with the primary focus on ensuring the continued satisfaction of our Honda and Acura customers here in Canada."

Takedagawa's experience with the company goes back more than 30 years. 

Since joining Honda in Tokyo in 1979, he has served in posts throughout the world, including Asia, Europe and the U.S. He eventually was named general manager of the global product planning division with Honda's auto operations in Tokyo in 2002.

In that role, he was responsible for the planning and development of new products. He then took on the role of president and CEO for Honda Siel Cars India Limited in 2005, before being named an operating officer for Honda the next year.

He also was named president and CEO of Honda Motor India Private Limited in 2006.