Canon’s Fujio Mitarai makes annual Barron’s list of the world’s 30 best chief executives

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, May 17, 2011 – Canon, world-leader in imaging solutions, is pleased to confirm that Fujio Mitarai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has made Barron’s annual list of the world’s 30 best chief executives for the fourth consecutive year. He has been recognised for his five-year growth plan to boost Canon’s revenue outside of Japan and invest in new business, and more recently for taking control of the company’s disaster recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.

Barron’s compiled its annual roster of the top corporate leaders from around the world in 2011 by looking in particular at how individuals have tailored plans to approach Asia and other developing markets.  The selection of finalists was based on information collected from interviews with analysts, investors and executives.

Mr Mitarai is leading efforts to execute Phase IV of Canon’s Excellent Global Corporation Plan which outlines a strategic approach for Canon to become a top 100 global company. Canon is currently in the first year of Phase IV, the five-year plan aims to further promote the company’s two long-term strategies of globalisation and diversification.

2011 marks the 50th anniversary for Mr Mitarai as an employee of Canon.  He has served in a number of key roles for the company throughout his career, before being appointed President and CEO of Canon Inc. in 1995.  Mr Mitarai also has a long history of public service which has included Chairmanship of Nippon Keidanren, the Japan Business Federation, from 2006 to 2010.