Kenzo Imamura has been named director and president of the US operations of Japan-based graphite golf driver shafts manufacturer Graphite Design. 

Formerly managing director of Administration for the company’s world headquarters in Japan, he has been with Graphite Design for more than ten years. Prior to joining the company, he worked for Toray, which supplies composite materials used in Graphite Design’s high performance shafts.

Mr Imamura succeeds Akio Karashima, who will return to Japan to be closer to family after three years based in San Diego.

Established in Japan in 1989 and in the USA in 1997, Graphite Design is said to be one of the world's three largest golf club shaft manufacturers.