As part of Panasonic’s global organizational shift in preparing for new business initiatives and future growth, the company has announced two strategic moves in the management – Manish Sharma, the India MD has been elevated to the role of the Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation and President & CEO of Panasonic India & South Asia; and Daizo Ito, previously President of Panasonic India has been entrusted with the role of Managing Executive Officer, Panasonic Corporation and Chairman of Panasonic India as well as the Regional Head of ISAMEA region. 

Effective immediately, Manish Sharma is the first Indian and the youngest ever to become the Executive Officer in the 98-year history of Panasonic Corporation – the elevation comes at a time when the company has re-affirmed its focus on India as the growth hub for the corporation. 

The Bhilai Institute of Technology graduate Sharma, 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.

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. Kazuhiro Tsuga, President, Panasonic Corporation said, “India is at the heart of the Panasonic 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”

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. He is also credited with transforming Panasonic’s smartphone business in India. 

Manish Sharma who has earlier worked with Haier, Samsung and LG Hotline will continue to report to Daizo Ito. 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. Ito joined Panasonic Corporation (then Matsushita Electric Industrial Company) in the year 1977 and has been with the company for the last 4 decades.