Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America, part of Sumitomo Drive Technologies, announced James D. Solomon as the corporation’s next president and chief executive officer. Solomon, who currently serves as the executive vice president and chief financial officer, will succeed Ronald J. Smith, president and CEO, on January 1, 2017. “I have had the good fortune to work for and with some extremely talented and honorable people in my 35+ year career; I have never worked with anyone who has demonstrated a higher degree of personal character and integrity than Jim. I consider it a blessing to have had Jim by my side for the past 12+ years and could not have imagined doing my job without him,” Ronald J. Smith, president and CEO of Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America. Solomon holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Virginia University and an MBA from the College of William & Mary. In addition, he holds a number of professional certifications including; certified public accountant, certified management accountant and senior professional in human resources. He joined Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America (SMA) in 2000 as the assistant controller and quickly rose through the ranks. He was chosen as vice president and CFO in 2006, and in 2014, was appointed to executive vice president and CFO. In the position of president and CEO, Solomon will oversee operations throughout the Western Hemisphere including, 18 facilities spanning across the USA, Canada, Mexico and Central and South America. As a proven leader for Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America, Solomon’s unique skills, knowledge and understanding of the power transmission industry will continue to be instrumental in SMA’s future growth and success. He and Pam, his wife of 30 years, reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America Phone: (800) 762-9256 URL: www.sumitomodrive.com