Har Kupers, CEO Vekoma Rides BV, will become Corporate Executive Officer of Sansei Technologies, Inc. and Chairman of Vekoma Rides BV and S&S Worldwide Inc., succeeded internally by CFO Anne-Mart Agerbeek.
Har Kupers, who has been working at Vekoma Rides BV (and its legal predecessor) for more than thirty years and is currently CEO of the global market leader in roller coasters, has been appointed as Corporate Executive Officer of Sansei Technologies Inc. as of January 1st , 2024. In this new role, he will also become Chairman of Vekoma and its American sister company S&S Worldwide Inc.
Kupers' base of operations remains Vlodrop in Limburg, from where he divides his time between Vekoma Rides BV, the American S&S Worldwide Inc. and the Japanese parent company Sansei Technologies Inc.
Recognition of good results
"I see this appointment as recognition of the continued good results of our team at Vekoma. This gives us the opportunity to further embed our vision and way of working within the Sansei Technologies Group," says Har Kupers.
Kupers, who after 34 years at Vekoma (and its legal predecessor) was faced with the choice of continuing in his current position until his retirement or taking on a new challenge, wants to give Sansei Technologies Inc., S&S Worldwide Inc. and Vekoma Rides BV a further boost to growth in his new role. "The acquisition by Sansei Technologies Inc. in 2018 was all about further internationalization for Vekoma. Within that process, we see more and more opportunities and possibilities for synergy between the companies. This deserves special attention, and from this role within the group I can steer in a targeted way."
Board member and CFO Anne-Mart Agerbeek becomes CEO of Vekoma Rides BV.
The position of CEO at Vekoma Rides BV will be taken over by the current CFO, Anne-Mart Agerbeek. Agerbeek, who has extensive experience in the manufacturing industry and has a broad background in finance, IT and sales, has been CFO and statutory director at Vekoma since 2018. She got to know Vekoma well because, in addition to her financial, IT and legal role, she was also jointly responsible for Commerce within Vekoma together with Har Kupers.
Har Kupers on his succession: "Vekoma is first and foremost a team. This also applies to the current management team. We operate as a team, each with their own tasks and responsibilities. I am very pleased that we have found the ideal candidate for the CEO position within our current team in the person of Anne-Mart. The composition of the rest of the management team remains unchanged. I look forward to continuing to work with the management team, with Anne-Mart and I both operating from a new role." In his role as Chairman, Kupers will remain closely involved with Vekoma Rides BV.
Sansei Technologies Inc. strengthens international position
Sansei Technologies Inc. sees Kupers' move as a logical follow-up to the earlier acquisition of Vekoma BV.
CEO of Sansei Technologies Inc. Noboru Rachi:
"Mr. Kupers has an extensive track record in the entertainment industry, particularly in the areas of quality, safety and innovation. Our commitment in these areas is the basis for realising our customer promise. Therefore, I am confident that with the appointment of Mr. Kupers and his consistent leadership in these areas, Sansei Technologies' growth ambitions will be realized in a way that best serves our customers and shareholders."
In addition to Vekoma, the group also includes American sister company S&S Worldwide and the Japanese Sansei Technologies itself.
About Vekoma Rides BV
Vekoma Rides BV (www.vekoma.com) is one of the leading and most innovative roller coaster manufacturers in the world. The company's focus is on the development, production and installation of roller coasters and special attractions for theme and amusement parks. In addition to a portfolio ranging from thrill to family rides, Vekoma is continuously developing tailor-made projects commissioned by and in close cooperation with a wide range of international customers. The head office is located in Vlodrop and is a major employer in the region with more than 300 employees. In addition, Vekoma Rides has locations in Breda, Roermond, Orlando (US) and Xiamen (China).
About Sansei Technologies Inc.
Sansei designs, manufactures, installs, repairs and maintains attractions, stage equipment and elevators in Japan but also worldwide. The company's attractions include rollercoasters, dark rides and various other attractions. It also offers stage equipment, including moving stages, and moving stage parts. The company was founded in 1951. It is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Sansei Technologies Inc. acquired S&S Worldwide Inc. in 2012 and Vekoma Rides B.V. in 2018.
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