Kubota’s long-term commitment to expand into the mainstream agricultural market has taken another important step forward with the appointment of Rob Edwards (pictured) as its new business development manager for agriculture.
The creation of this new role, which was previously a joint tractor and groundscare position, is in line with Kubota Corporation’s wider global plans to move the company into the larger-horsepower tractor market, increasing it’s market coverage and share position.
The launch of the M7001 Series tractor and the opening of the new manufacturing facility in northern France has set the wheels in motion, and the appointment of Rob Edwards, who has an extensive knowledge of the market, signals the brand’s intent.
“Joining Kubota represents a huge opportunity and challenge for me,” Mr Edwards said. “It’s a very exciting time to join Kubota, as it begins its move into a new era in the agricultural market. The opportunities for the brand in the higher-horsepower arena are considerable, and I’m looking forward to taking on this new role and helping Kubota realise its ambitions.”
Mr Edwards joins Kubota from Same Deutz-Fahr (SDF), where he’d worked for the past 13 years, holding various senior positions including marketing manager, sales manager and laterly dealer development manager for the UK and Ireland. Having entered the industry at a Warwickshire-based Ford tractor dealer, Mr Edwards has spent much of his career working closely with the dealer network, and this in-depth understanding will be invaluable as Kubota continue to establish its agricultural dealer network.
Mr Edwards moved from the dealer side of the business to Ford New Holland, and spent a number of years working in product and service functions before moving to Kverneland, (which is now part of Kubota Corporation), and then on to SDF.
Kubota UK’s managing director, Dave Roberts, said he was delighted to welcome Rob Edwards to Kubota.
“His knowledge of the agricultural tractor market will be crucial to help move the brand forward over the coming years, in line with the wider corporate plans,” he added. “There’s a clear plan in place for our development during the next decade, and we’re very ambitious with what we want to achieve in the higher horsepower tractor market.
“The launch of M7001 marks a major step change for the Kubota brand, and Rob will play a key role in ensuring its acceptance and subsequent success in this market.”
For more information visit: www.kubota.co.uk.
