Outgoing Dunlop Srixon Sports Asia managing director Hidekazu Tagashira leaves Malaysia with a heavy heart but filled with fond memories. He heads back to Japan this week following more than six-and-half years in the country he has grown to love.
Hidekazu (2nd from L) with Simon Ng of Liberty Golf (L), Tham Onn Chuan of ATG Watch (2nd from R) and Tang Meng Loon of Kota Permai (R)
“Honestly speaking, I don’t want to go back to Japan … I think maybe I’m 20, 30, 40% Malaysian now!” quipped Hidekazu during a farewell golf game at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club on October 27.
Hidekazu, or Hide-san as he is fondly known, will assume a post at the SRI Sports Limited headquarters in Kobe overseeing the company’s sports planning and operations across all brands.
A subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, SRI Sports Limited owns the Srixon, XXIO, Cleveland Golf and Never Compromise golf brands, and also holds the rights to the Dunlop sports brand in most parts of the world.
The farewell game saw Dunlop Srixon Sports Asia management joined by the company’s business partners, golf media and Srixon staff professionals for an enjoyable afternoon tee-off at the highly-rated Kota Permai course.
Takuya Ono
This was followed by a casual dinner where Hidekazu took the opportunity to warmly thank all present for their support during his tenure in Malaysia.
“Thank you very much for supporting our company, our brand, and the support for me,” noted Hidekazu, who joined SRI in 1995.
Hidekazu will be succeeded by Takuya Ono, who has been with the company since 2005 and was involved in product and sales planning, logistics and performance management. Takuya’s experience includes six years in golf ball product planning.
