Former Daikin president dies

JAPAN: According to reports from Japan, Hiroyuki Kitai, a former president and COO of Daikin Industries has passed away.

Promoted from managing director of the Japanese air conditioning manufacturer to president and COO in 2002, he stepped down two years later due to ill health.

Aged just 70, he died at his home in Hirakata, Osaka, of ischemic heart disease just before Christmas.