In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark speaks with Kimio Kimura, Vice President for Water Treatment at Toray Industries, as the company celebrates its 100-year anniversary and reflects on its leadership in Middle East seawater desalination. Kimura shares his unconventional path from studying law to leading roles across Toray Membrane USA, Japan, the Middle East, and China before returning to Japan as vice president. He outlines Toray’s origins in synthetic fibers, its RO membrane R&D beginning in 1968 and its long-term commitment to social contribution despite decades of investment before profitability. The discussion centers on Toray’s regional success driven by localization of workforce, production, and supply chain, backed by strong on-the-ground technical service that positions Toray as a partner on major UAE and Saudi projects.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:43 Kimio Career Journey 01:52 From Films to Membranes 03:08 Toray Origins and Mission 04:05 Kennedy Sparked Desalination 05:10 Middle East Desalination Scale 06:00 Localization Strategy Explained 07:48 Building Local Supply Chains 09:36 Service Teams as Partners 10:30 Lessons Learned on Localization 11:17 Advice to Younger Self 12:12 Wrap Up and Thanks
