Rigaku Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rigaku has 8 executives leading key functions including global strategy, analytical instrumentation, information technology, human capital, financial management, and operational oversight.

Driven by a commitment to scientific precision, Rigaku advances global research through the development of sophisticated X-ray diffraction and fluorescence technologies that empower industrial and academic discovery.

Leadership Roles at Rigaku

  • President & Group Chief Executive Officer - Jun Kawakami
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mika Shimura
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Paul Edmiston
  • President - Keith Crane
  • Senior Staff, Office of the President - Dylan Hunter
  • President - Mel Kitagawa
  • Chief Information Officer - Scott Bendle
  • Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President - Shunji Hiratsuka
  • Jun Kawakami - President & Group Chief Executive Officer

    Jun Kawakami, the President & Group Chief Executive Officer at Rigaku, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the international manufacturing of scientific instrumentation. Overseeing the expansion of X-ray related technologies, the President & Group Chief Executive Officer ensures that global operations maintain alignment with the rigorous demands of industrial and academic research sectors. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to optimize the production of crystallography and diffraction systems. By fostering innovation across the organization, Jun Kawakami drives the long-term growth of the company. Kawakami secures market leadership by prioritizing the integration of advanced cryogenics and optics into the core product portfolio. Through consistent focus on technological excellence, the President & Group Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the firm within the global analytical equipment market.

    Mika Shimura - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mika Shimura, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Rigaku, manages the strategic deployment of X-ray fluorescence and reflectivity solutions across diverse industrial landscapes. Overseeing the execution of high-level business objectives, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company delivers precise analytical instrumentation to international clients. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the board to refine the product roadmap for automation and X-ray optics. By streamlining internal processes, Mika Shimura directly impacts the operational efficiency of the organization. Shimura facilitates the adoption of new scientific standards within the manufacturing sector. Through the implementation of robust quality control measures, the President & Chief Executive Officer sustains the reputation of the firm as a premier provider of advanced testing equipment, ensuring that all technical outputs meet the highest global benchmarks for accuracy and reliability.
    Mika Shimura

    Paul Edmiston - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Edmiston, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Rigaku, architects the financial strategy and fiscal oversight for the international production of scientific instrumentation. Overseeing the allocation of capital, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the liquidity required for ongoing research into X-ray diffraction and cryogenics. This leadership role involves managing the financial risks associated with global manufacturing and distribution. By optimizing the budget for product development, Paul Edmiston drives the financial health of the firm. Edmiston secures the resources needed for the advancement of X-ray optics and automation technologies. Through rigorous financial analysis, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the strategic decision-making process of the executive team. This role remains essential for ensuring that the company achieves sustainable growth while maintaining its position as a leader in analytical equipment.

    Keith Crane - President

    Keith Crane, the President at Rigaku, directs the operational execution of specific product lines focused on industrial X-ray reflectivity and analytical testing. Overseeing the manufacturing workflows, the President ensures that the production of instrumentation meets the precise specifications required by global industrial clients. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to refine the performance of X-ray systems. By streamlining the manufacturing process, Keith Crane drives the efficiency of the production cycle. Crane secures the quality of the final output through strict adherence to international manufacturing standards. Through the management of regional operational teams, the President supports the delivery of high-performance equipment to diverse markets. This role focuses on the practical application of scientific technology, ensuring that the company consistently meets the evolving needs of the industrial sector through reliable and accurate instrumentation.

    Dylan Hunter - Senior Staff, Office of the President

    Dylan Hunter, the Senior Staff, Office of the President at Rigaku, architects the administrative and strategic support systems that facilitate the daily operations of the executive leadership team. Overseeing the flow of information between departments, the Senior Staff, Office of the President ensures that the company maintains alignment on key initiatives regarding X-ray crystallography and diffraction. This leadership role involves managing high-priority projects that require cross-functional collaboration. By organizing the strategic agenda, Dylan Hunter drives the efficiency of the executive office. Hunter secures the successful implementation of corporate policies across the global organization. Through the coordination of complex business activities, the Senior Staff, Office of the President supports the overall mission of the firm. This role remains vital for maintaining the operational rhythm of the company as it continues to innovate within the field of scientific and industrial instrumentation.

    Mel Kitagawa - President

    Mel Kitagawa, the President at Rigaku, directs the strategic market development for advanced X-ray optics and automation solutions. Overseeing the commercialization of new technologies, the President ensures that the company effectively reaches its target audience in the academic and industrial research sectors. This leadership role involves identifying emerging market trends and aligning the product portfolio with the needs of global laboratories. By fostering partnerships with key research institutions, Mel Kitagawa drives the adoption of the company's analytical tools. Kitagawa secures the market position of the firm through targeted outreach and technical support initiatives. Through the management of commercial operations, the President supports the growth of the company's footprint in the international scientific community. This role focuses on translating complex X-ray technologies into practical solutions that empower researchers to achieve breakthroughs in their respective fields.

    Scott Bendle - Chief Information Officer

    Scott Bendle, the Chief Information Officer at Rigaku, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the global distribution of scientific and industrial instrumentation. Overseeing the integration of data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the company maintains secure and efficient communication channels across all international manufacturing sites. This leadership role involves managing the technological backbone required for complex X-ray crystallography and diffraction data processing. By optimizing enterprise software, Scott Bendle drives the digital transformation of the firm. Bendle secures the integrity of proprietary research data through advanced cybersecurity protocols. Through the alignment of information technology with business goals, the Chief Information Officer supports the seamless operation of the global supply chain. This role remains critical for maintaining the technological agility necessary to compete in the high-stakes market of analytical and industrial instrumentation.

    Shunji Hiratsuka - Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President

    Shunji Hiratsuka, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President at Rigaku, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support the manufacturing of complex X-ray technologies. Overseeing the cultivation of a highly skilled workforce, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President ensures that the company retains top-tier expertise in crystallography and optics. This leadership role involves designing performance management systems that align with the broader corporate mission of scientific innovation. By fostering a culture of excellence, Shunji Hiratsuka drives employee engagement and operational productivity. Hiratsuka manages the human capital requirements for international expansion, ensuring that regional teams possess the necessary technical proficiency. Through the strategic management of personnel, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President secures the long-term stability and growth of the organization within the competitive analytical equipment industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rigaku Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rigaku?
    Rigaku is led by Jun Kawakami (President & Group Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mika Shimura (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Paul Edmiston (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Rigaku’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rigaku includes leaders such as Jun Kawakami (President & Group Chief Executive Officer), Mika Shimura (President & Chief Executive Officer), Paul Edmiston (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rigaku have?
    Rigaku has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rigaku’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rigaku includes roles such as President & Group Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Senior Staff, Office of the President.