Santa Ana, CA – January 9, 2014 – IOMIC USA, manufacturer of innovative, revolutionary and dynamically designed grips, announced today it has appointed Katz Murai to the position of General Manager of IOMIC USA. In his new role, Murai will be responsible for overseeing and directing the day-to-day business operations of the company.
Murai spent most of 2012 working at IOMIC Japan as North America Operations Manager at the Overseas Department. His duties included overseeing the sales activities of IOMIC USA, directing and managing the participation of PGA show, assisting in marketing activities for IOMIC USA, and overseeing the certification process of IOMIC products with various international golf associations including the USGA and R&A.
“We’re very excited to have Katz take the reins of IOMIC USA,” said Toshihiko Hachiro, President IOMIC, Inc. “His academic background in sports management, his bilingual skill, his experience in the sports industry as well as experience with our company make him exceptionally qualified for the position of General Manager of IOMIC USA.”
Murai was born and raised in Japan and graduated from Washington State University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. In addition, he has 8 years of experience in the sports business industry including working for Hanshin Tigers Baseball Club Co. as an interpreter; Human Sports Entertainment Co as Media Relations and Operations Manager; and Sharp Sangyo Co. as International Sales Manager.
“IOMIC has been experiencing tremendous growth over the past year and I am thrilled to be managing the operations of the US division,” said Murai. “I am confident about the opportunities we have to increase the number of professional tour players who use IOMIC grips, establish a nationwide sales force, and increase awareness and sales of the IOMIC brand. We have a team of talented people here and I look forward to working with them to generate significant growth in the golf grip market.”
IOMIC USA was previously managed by U.S. San Ei Corp. During 2012, IOMIC, Inc. made the decision to take the lead in guiding IOMIC USA’s everyday operations and executing its marketing plan. In March, 2013 IOMIC, Inc. took over IOMIC USA and began restructuring the company and hiring new employees.
In addition to Katz Murai, IOMIC USA has also brought in Mr. Tak Yamamoto as Vice President of Sales; Mr. Jim Shih as National Sales Manager; Mr. Patrick Tom, as Inside Sales Manager and Asst. Tour Operations; Mr. Chi Wu as OEM and Tour Operations Manager; and Mr. Mark Gerent as Tour Representative.
About IOMIC USA:
IOMIC USA manufactures premium, ergonomically designed golf grips that focus on technology. The company uses a revolutionary material called “IOMAX”, which enhances grip feel, reduces torque and allows for a variety of color choices. The ergonomic design of IOMIC grips, combined with a super soft touch and feel, ensure maximum feedback and control for golfers. The launch of the Color Grip Series helped the company gain attention in the industry for the wide variety of colors offered. This led to the development of the Art Grip Series, the industry’s first ever marbled grip. IOMIC grips are in the bags of many top professional and amateur golfers worldwide. For more information about the company please visit www.iomicusa.com.
Contact:
Vanessa Price / 714-544-6515, readthegreens@aol.com
Tracy Nackel / 760-420-1602, tnackel@cox.net
