By James Wells

MELBOURNE: Pioneer Electronics Australia announced a restructure this afternoon just weeks after the appointment the company’s first managing director in 17 years.

According to Pioneer managing director, Yasuo Sakuma, the changes have been implemented to deliver future growth to the local subsidiary of the Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer in both home entertainment and mobile entertainment divisions.

“In the wake of setting new fiscal goals and strategies for the business, Pioneer Electronics Australia has announced structural changes to support the current and future needs of the company,” Sakuma said this afternoon.

Under the restructure which is effective from Friday 1 June, Peter Hutchinson – general manager of the mobile entertainment group and Richard Bragg – general manager for the home entertainment business group will effectively swap roles.

Hutchinson will move across to fulfil the position of general manager for the home entertainment group, while Bragg takes on the role of general manager for the mobile entertainment group. 

Sakuma has decided that the public relations function will no longer operate outside the business groups and is being integrated into the sales and marketing arms of the home entertainment and mobile entertainment divisions.

As a result of the structural change to public relations, the general manager for the corporate affairs group, Sandra Cowan, has decided to leave Pioneer to pursue career opportunities in other avenues.

Cowan, a former employee of Appliance Retailer and Intermedia – the publisher of Current.com.au, joined Pioneer in 1999 and was responsible for establishing the public relations function internally within Pioneer.

“We wish Sandra all the best with her future endeavours and thank her for the commitment and contribution she has made to PR at Pioneer Australia,” said Sakuma.

Following Cowan’s departure, Michael Broadhurst will manage the brand’s public relations.