Canon - A Leader Showing the Way

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and Latin America, and the Caribbean markets. Canon’s history dates back to the 1930s in Tokyo.

As a global organization, Canon understands its responsibility towards society and the environment. The company stands by its corporate philosophy of Kyosei – which they define as “all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future.” Their dedication to Kyosei guides their tradition of commitment to protect and preserve our most precious of resources – the world we share, the communities we serve, and the lives we touch.

They do this through environmental conservation, recycling, and sustainability initiatives. They also practice Kyosei through social and educational programs on behalf of young people and those in need.

Shinichi Yoshida

Executive Vice President and General Manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Chairman and CEO of Canon Solutions America, Inc. and Canon Financial Services, Inc.

Born in Japan and raised in Jamaica, Queens, Shinichi “Sam” Yoshida split time between the two locales before graduating college in Japan and joining Canon.

Throughout his 35-year career, Mr. Yoshida has worked in both the United States and abroad, taking on various roles across the organization. Today, he serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager, overseeing the Business Information Communications Group and Hybrid-workplace Solutions Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. He also serves as Chairman and CEO of Canon Solutions America, Inc. and Canon Financial Services, Inc.

The Portfolio

Canon offers a vast portfolio of products and services, from workflow automation tools to large-format printers to AI-driven solutions.

“We are always using our expertise in imaging to improve the way people work and live. In recent years, we have focused on transforming our offerings for our core businesses and expanding our focus to new growth areas. This forward-thinking has led to breakthroughs in commercial printing, network cameras, semiconductors, industrial equipment – and even satellites,” says Yoshidawith pride.

“I benefited from several colleagues and mentors who went out of their way to help me grow. To me, the best way to do this is simply by leading by example – working hard with honesty and integrity. As taxing as it can be, holding myself to this standard is my utmost priority as a leader, and I feel that I owe it to my employees to personify these virtues,” he added.

COVID-19 Pandemic – Trying Times

“The past few years have brought massive change to every industry. This disruption has highlighted that taking a people-first approach is more critical than ever,” stated Yoshida of pandemic times.

As an engaged organization, Canon listened to feedback and offered solutions that made sense for specific operations. Historically, their solutions have been found in shared workplaces, but with employees dispersed due to the pandemic, they prioritized security features and solutions such as ‘Therefore Online SMB’ and ‘uniFLOW Online,’ which enable remote workers to access, print, and edit documents from almost anywhere. They helped companies shift to desktop printers and document scanners to maximize productivity in home-office settings.

The effort to deliver on their mission in all circumstances is ongoing with new technologies like the AMLOS – Activate My Line of Sight – a single, seamless and straightforward gesture-intuitive hybrid work solution to create an immersive hybrid work experience.

“As an organization, we look forward to becoming even more agile and swift in our innovation so that we can overcome future obstacles that may be uncertain or difficult,” asserted Yoshida.

Success Mantras

Be nimble in the face of challenges.
Remain optimistic for the future – even if it is uncertain.
Listen to customer requirements.
Prioritize customer service.
Maintain employee morale.

People Matter

As employees operate out of new environments, paying attention to morale has become more important than ever. Leaders at Canon connected with colleagues through simple virtual meetings, so employees know that their work is seen and appreciated.

“I am honored to lead a dedicated Canon team that is committed to working hard every day,” said Yoshida.

The Future Vision

The Canon executive firmly believes that the company will continue to be an industry leader focused on innovation that improves the work and life of people and companies across the world.

“I believe digital transformation and automated intelligence is our future. It means constantly questioning, evolving, and pushing boundaries in the name of making the world work more cohesively – and the only way to do this is to understand that business is all about people. So whatever industry you find yourself in, make sure you understand your customer, your colleagues, and the part you play in society,” advises Yoshida.