Kao USA To Relocate Corporate HQ

“The Ohio Department of Development and the Cincinnati Economic Development Department have been collaborative and creative partners in supporting our desire to remain and grow in the City of Cincinnati,” said Bill Gentner, Kao’s president for Consumer Products Americas and EMEA. “This important decision will provide us with an opportunity to better harness Kao’s global scale and resources for the benefit of consumers and customers in the North American, European, Middle East and Africa markets.”

“With the exciting growth and progress of downtown Cincinnati, these investments will also enable us to retain and attract the high-end talent that we need to compete and grow,” Gentner added.

Pending further negotiations and final review and approval by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, Kao expects to enter an agreement where the state of Ohio provides certain public incentives in exchange for Kao’s commitment to invest up to $21 million in facility improvements, retain 500 jobs and create 50 new jobs.

Kao also expects to enter into a similar agreement with the City of Cincinnati. 


“The City of Cincinnati is an important part of Kao’s overall growth strategy,” said Gentner. “We are excited to be here, to compete here, to grow here and to succeed in Ohio and the City of Cincinnati.”