By James Wells
BRAESIDE: Pioneer Electronics Australia managing director, Yasuo Sakuma, has surprised the industry today by announcing he will be retiring from the company on 30 September due to health issues.
“Seeking a new lifestyle to address current health issues and provide more time to spend
with his family, Yasuo Sakuma is retiring from the Pioneer Corporation,” said a statement issued by the company today.
“It’s with great sadness that I announce my retirement from the Pioneer Corporation. After careful consideration, I have agreed to a retirement package, which will allow me to return to Japan and be reunited with my family,” Sakuma said in the statement.
With his career at Pioneer Electronics spanning over 30 years, two of which were served in Australia, Sakuma expressed his deep gratitude towards staff at Pioneer Australia, thanking everyone for their support and friendship.
“I’m extremely grateful of the co-operation, commitment and friendships extended to me by colleagues during my time at Pioneer Australia,” he said.
Sakuma assumed the role of managing director at Pioneer Electronics Australia on 1 April 2007.
“Pioneer Electronics Australia is shocked and saddened by Sakuma’s decision to retire, however it’s with great respect that we farewell Yasuo back to Japan, whereby he can be spend more quality time with his wife and children and address his health concerns,” commented Bruce Blythe, CFO at Pioneer Electronics Australia.
Moving forward, a selection process for determining Sakuma’s successor is currently underway, with a replacement to be announced in due course.