IFM Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

IFM has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, and sales management.

Focused on precision engineering, IFM delivers advanced electrical components for machine construction. The organization maintains a commitment to industrial innovation, safety technology, and high-performance imaging systems across global markets.

Leadership Roles at IFM

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Thierry Owona
  • President, Sales (Japan) - Kazushi Iwamuro
  • Managing Director - Mangal Kakade
  • Managing Director - Eui-Joong Kang
  • Managing Director - Yaniv Schmidt
  • Managing Director - Björn Ostertag
  • Managing Director - Luis Lopez
  • Thierry Owona - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Thierry Owona, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at IFM, directs high-level corporate strategy and operational efficiency. Owona oversees the integration of electrical component manufacturing with long-term business development goals. By aligning internal production capabilities with market demands for position sensors and industrial imaging, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine the global manufacturing footprint. Thierry Owona drives the implementation of safety technology standards across all product lines, maintaining the competitive edge of the company. Through rigorous oversight of resource allocation, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes the supply chain for machine construction clients. Ultimately, Owona secures the financial health of the organization by balancing innovation with operational stability in the competitive industrial sector.

    Kazushi Iwamuro - President, Sales (Japan)

    Kazushi Iwamuro, the President, Sales (Japan) at IFM, directs all commercial activities within the Japanese market. Iwamuro oversees the sales force, ensuring that position sensors and industrial imaging products reach key machine construction accounts. By managing client relationships, the President, Sales (Japan) drives revenue growth and market penetration. This role involves coordinating with the technical support teams to provide tailored solutions for complex industrial requirements. Kazushi Iwamuro monitors local market trends to inform the global product development strategy. Through the execution of targeted sales campaigns, the President, Sales (Japan) enhances the brand presence of the company. Iwamuro ensures that all sales operations align with the high quality and safety standards of the organization. This leadership position is essential for maintaining the strong market position of the company in the competitive Japanese industrial sector.
    Kazushi Iwamuro

    Mangal Kakade - Managing Director

    Mangal Kakade, the Managing Director at IFM, manages the expansion of industrial identification systems within emerging markets. Kakade focuses on scaling production capacity to meet the rising demand for connection technologies. By coordinating with engineering teams, the Managing Director ensures that product development cycles align with the specific needs of machine construction firms. This role involves managing regional operational budgets and driving efficiency in manufacturing processes. Mangal Kakade monitors market trends to identify opportunities for new product integration, specifically regarding mobile machine systems. Through strategic partnerships, the Managing Director enhances the market presence of the company. Kakade maintains a focus on quality control, ensuring that every component meets international safety standards. This leadership position supports the overall mission of delivering reliable, high-performance electrical solutions to a diverse global client base.

    Eui-Joong Kang - Managing Director

    Eui-Joong Kang, the Managing Director at IFM, directs the deployment of advanced sensor technology across the Asian industrial landscape. Kang oversees the technical support infrastructure, ensuring that clients receive optimal guidance for complex machine construction projects. By managing regional logistics, the Managing Director streamlines the delivery of identification systems and accessories. This leadership role requires constant interaction with local engineering teams to adapt products for specific regional requirements. Eui-Joong Kang drives initiatives to improve operational throughput, reducing lead times for critical electrical components. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Managing Director optimizes inventory management and distribution networks. Kang ensures that the company maintains a strong reputation for reliability and technical excellence. This focus on regional operational success directly contributes to the broader growth objectives of the organization.

    Yaniv Schmidt - Managing Director

    Yaniv Schmidt, the Managing Director at IFM, architects the strategy for industrial imaging and safety technology adoption. Schmidt oversees the integration of these sophisticated systems into existing machine construction frameworks. By leading cross-functional teams, the Managing Director ensures that product innovation remains at the forefront of the industry. This role involves managing the lifecycle of complex identification systems, from initial design to final deployment. Yaniv Schmidt drives the adoption of new manufacturing techniques to enhance product durability and performance. Through close coordination with the executive team, the Managing Director aligns product roadmaps with long-term corporate goals. Schmidt monitors competitive developments to maintain the market leadership of the company. This leadership position ensures that the organization continues to provide cutting-edge solutions that improve safety and efficiency for industrial clients worldwide.

    Björn Ostertag - Managing Director

    Björn Ostertag, the Managing Director at IFM, manages the development and distribution of mobile machine systems. Ostertag oversees the engineering teams responsible for creating robust connection technologies suitable for harsh industrial environments. By focusing on product reliability, the Managing Director ensures that the company meets the rigorous demands of the construction sector. This role involves managing the financial performance of specific product lines and driving cost-efficiency in manufacturing. Björn Ostertag coordinates with global sales teams to identify new market opportunities for position sensors and accessories. Through strategic planning, the Managing Director optimizes the production pipeline to ensure timely delivery of critical components. Ostertag maintains a focus on continuous improvement, implementing new processes to enhance product quality. This leadership role supports the overall mission of providing innovative electrical solutions that drive industrial progress.

    Luis Lopez - Managing Director

    Luis Lopez, the Managing Director at IFM, directs the operational strategy for the Americas, focusing on the adoption of industrial imaging and safety technology. Lopez oversees the regional sales and support teams, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive solutions for machine construction. By managing the supply chain for connection technologies, the Managing Director ensures consistent product availability. This role involves collaborating with the global leadership team to align regional activities with corporate objectives. Luis Lopez drives the implementation of customer-centric service models, enhancing the overall market impact of the company. Through the analysis of regional market data, the Managing Director identifies growth opportunities for identification systems. Lopez maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all regional activities support the long-term sustainability of the organization. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the competitive position of the company.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding IFM Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads IFM?
    IFM is led by Thierry Owona (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kazushi Iwamuro (President, Sales (Japan)) and Mangal Kakade (Managing Director).
    Who is part of IFM’s executive team?
    The executive team of IFM includes leaders such as Thierry Owona (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Kazushi Iwamuro (President, Sales (Japan)), Mangal Kakade (Managing Director) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does IFM have?
    IFM has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in IFM’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of IFM includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, President, Sales (Japan), Managing Director, Managing Director, Managing Director.