Noritz America has announced the promotion of company veteran Jay Hassel from his current post as vice president of sales and marketing to president and chief operating officer.

According to Noritz, the appointment is history-making for the company. Hassel is the first American to serve as president for Noritz’s North American subsidiary. He succeeds Hisashi Uryu, who retains the title of chief executive officer while also returning to the parent company in Japan to serve as an officer for Noritz Corporation based in Kobe, Japan.

In the wake of these changes, Noritz America has announced two other key management promotions:

• Sr. Marketing and Customer Care Manager Jason Fleming now becomes the new vice president of sales and marketing, reporting to Hassel.

• National Account Manager Jason Corey has been promoted to the new position of national sales manager, reporting to Fleming.