A conversation with JCM-E’s new and outgoing leadership.
As JCM Global Europe (JCM-E) moves into an exciting new phase and celebrates its milestone 70the anniversary, we welcome Yuichi Yamamura as the new Managing Director, taking over from Mitsuhiro Ueno, who has successfully led the company through a period of significant challenges and growth.
To learn more about their perspectives, experiences, and visions for JCM-E, we sat down with Yuichi Yamamura to discuss his plans for the future and Mitsuhiro Ueno to reflect on his time in Europe.
MEET YUICHI YAMAMURA: A FRESH VISION FOR JCM-E
Q: You joined JCM HQ in May 2024 and later transitioned to JCM-E. What are your first impressions of JCM and the customers in the gaming and retail sectors?
Yuichi Yamamura: JCM is not a large corporate giant, but it has built a strong reputation by consistently innovating and supporting customers with high-quality cash handling solutions. What stands out to me is JCM’s dedication to its products and the strength of its global team. I come from a corporate finance background, where I’ve worked with many industries, and I can already see how JCM’s commitment to innovation and service sets it apart.
Q: What are the key challenges and opportunities for JCM-E?
Yuichi Yamamura: JCM-E operates across the EMEA region, which includes a diverse range of countries, each with its own language, currency, and regulatory landscape. Adapting to this complexity is a challenge, but it also presents a huge opportunity. The EMEA region has a population of over two billion people, and I believe we can expand our business by enhancing our contributions to economic activity in these markets.
Q: What will be your main priorities in this new role?
Yuichi Yamamura: I see a tremendous opportunity for growth at JCM-E, but to support this expansion, we need a stronger governance structure. My main focus will be on strengthening internal controls, corporate planning, and risk management to ensure we meet evolving regulatory requirements. By enhancing our foundation, we can drive sustainable growth and continue delivering the best solutions to our customers.
Q: You are taking over from Mitsuhiro Ueno, who led JCM-E during a challenging time. Any thoughts on his contribution?
Yuichi Yamamura: He faced an incredibly difficult situation with COVID-19 disrupting supply chains and increasing costs. However, he successfully built a strong, cohesive team in Europe, and I am honoured to carry forward his work and further develop JCM-E.
FAREWELL TO MITSUHIRO UENO: REFLECTIONS ON LEADING JCM-E
Q: You joined JCM in 2020 and took over as Managing Director of JCM-E in 2021. What was your biggest challenge?
Mitsuhiro Ueno: When I arrived in Düsseldorf, Germany, the world was still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges was the global supply chain crisis, which meant we struggled to meet customer demand due to shortages of parts and skyrocketing costs. However, through strong teamwork and resilience, JCM-E navigated these difficulties, and by 2023, we saw stabilization in production and lead times, leading to a successful year in 2024.
Q: What were your impressions of working in Germany and the wider European market?
Mitsuhiro Ueno: Arriving in Germany in September, I quickly learned that dark, rainy winters were quite different from what I was used to! (laughs) Social life was initially difficult due to language barriers and COVID restrictions, but over time, I came to appreciate the rich cultural diversity, the incredible food, and the vibrant business environment.
Q: What are your plans after leaving JCM-E?
Mitsuhiro Ueno: I will return to Japan in February and resume work at JCM Headquarters, where I will focus on the company’s global strategy. My priority is to maintain strong relationships with JCM-E and its customers, ensuring we continue to expand and improve our offerings worldwide.
Q: Any final words for your colleagues at JCM-E?
Mitsuhiro Ueno: I’ve always believed in the power of teamwork and communication. My message to my colleagues is simple: stay united as “one team” and continue to communicate openly—both within the company and with our customers—to achieve shared goals. I’m grateful for my time here and look forward to seeing how JCM-E continues to grow.
Looking Ahead
With Yuichi Yamamura stepping in as Managing Director, JCM-E is poised for an exciting future, with a focus on growth, governance, and customer-driven innovation. At the same time, we extend our gratitude to Mitsuhiro Ueno for his leadership and dedication during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
JCM Global remains committed to delivering excellence in cash handling and transaction technologies, and under new leadership, the European division is ready to take on the future.
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