Panasonic Corporation re-iterated its focus on India as a driver for global growth by announcing two strategic management promotions. Daizo Ito, previously President of Panasonic India, has been elevated to the role of Managing Executive Officer, Panasonic Corporation and Chairman of the Panasonic India & Regional Head of ISAMEA region. Taking the charge from Daizo Ito, Manish Sharma, who has been appointed at the position of Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation and President & CEO of Panasonic India & South Asia, from his most recent role as Managing Director, India. He is the first Indian and the youngest ever to become an executive officer of the corporation and this re-affirms the focus on India as a growth hub for the corporation. The elevations, effective immediately, are part of the company’s global organizational shift in preparation for new business initiatives and future growth.

The new appointments recognize the strong performance of Daizo Ito and Manish. Sharma, who have both played pivotal roles in shaping Panasonic’s growth trajectory. Manish Sharma as the President& CEO of Panasonic India & South Asia, will preside over operations of Panasonic in India including group and sister companies and the group support operations. The group companies include Panasonic Appliances, Panasonic AVC India, Panasonic Energy India, Panasonic Carbon India, Anchor Electricals, Firepro Systems Pvt. Ltd. He will be responsible for driving profitable growth along with strategy planning and sustainable business development across businesses.

Daizo Ito has played a key role in establishing the Panasonic brand in the Indian market, and in elevating India as a key strategic market for Panasonic globally. As the Regional Head of ISAMEA region Daizo Ito will work with the leaders of each of these markets and plan the strategic growth of Panasonic across the region. Manish Sharma will continue to report to Daizo Ito.

Commenting on the new appointments, Kazuhiro Tsuga, President, Panasonic Corporation, said “India is at the heart of the Pansaonic global growth strategy and both Ito and Sharma have been pivotal in driving growth for Panasonic India. I am confident they will continue to propel our business forward. I would like to congratulate them both on their new roles and wish them continued success”

Central to these management transitions is Panasonic’s strategy of blending its deep-rooted Japanese expertise with the localization of products and technologies to match domestic requirements through a global alignment of top level executive evaluation system, effective April 1st. Panasonic is focused on expanding business and promoting organic, geographically diverse growth in the ISAMEA region.

Ito joined Panasonic Corporation (then Matsushita Electric Industrial Company) in the year 1977 and has been with the company for the last 4 decades. Led by his philosophy to drive the company’s growth by Indians and for Indians the company has achieved several milestones in its journey in India.

Sharma, joined Panasonic in 2008 and has been instrumental in spearheading the growth and transformation of Panasonic India from a consumer-electronics company to a technology solutions company. In his previous roles, he led a multi-channel branding, sales and marketing strategy to create a stronger consumer connect and drive increased market share and credibility. He is also credited with transforming Panasonic’s smartphone business in India. He is the first Indian and the youngest to be appointed to the post of Executive Officer in the 98 year history of Panasonic Corporation.