LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses (MLP U.S.A., Inc.) has announced a leadership change, effective October 1, to reflect the company's strategy and focus on growth. Marke Baker, formerly Vice President of Customer Service, has been named President by the Board of Directors. In his new capacity, Baker will have primary responsibility for MLP U.S.A.'s day-to-day operations domestically and in the Mexican, Central American and Caribbean markets. K.G. Katayama, who has served as the company's President since January 2002, will return to the Printing Press International Sales Group of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). Commenting on the organizational change, Katayama stated: "Throughout his career with MLP, Marke has amassed a proven record of success at all levels of the organization. His intimate knowledge of Mitsubishi technology, customers and employees, combined with his understanding of our parent company make him the ideal person to lead the continuing evolution of MLP U.S.A." Baker brings years of customer communications experience, press installation expertise and technical know-how to his new role. He joined Mitsubishi in 1988 as a field service technician and has steadily assumed increasing responsibilities at the company. A member of MLP U.S.A.'s Executive Staff since 2002, Baker has served as Director of Customer Service, Web Products Specialist, Web Installation Manager and National Service Manager for Web and Newspaper Presses. As Vice President of Customer Service, Baker oversaw all after-sales service and support activities for Mitsubishi sheetfed, commercial web and newspaper web presses, including installations, parts, engineering and technical assistance. Baker also was in charge of the Mitsubishi Demonstration Center and in-house training programs at the company's headquarters in Lincolnshire, Ill. He worked with MLP U.S.A. staff to implement a number of efficiencies that allowed the organization to achieve marked revenue growth. Baker began his printing industry career in 1980 in the press maintenance department at book publisher Foote & Davies, Inc. in Atlanta. He developed his knowledge of the industry over the course of eight years with the company, eventually becoming department manager. "I welcome the opportunity to lead our management team at this exciting time in MLP U.S.A.'s development," Baker said. "Our partners and customers will benefit from the company's ability to implement and expand such innovative technologies as long perfecting presses with dual coaters and commercial web presses geared toward the most quality-conscious printers. I look forward to continuing to work with K.G. Katayama at MHI to build on the foundation of excellence that has been laid by so many dedicated individuals over the years."