By Patrick Avenell
SYDNEY, NSW: Panasonic Australia has this morning announced that Paul Reid will be moving to Sweden in July to become the managing director of Panasonic’s Nordic division. In his new role, Reid will run the Panasonic operations in Finland, Norway, Iceland and Sweden.
Currently the director of the consumer electronics group, Reid joined Panasonic from Samsung in 2004. He has been instrumental in the growth of plasma TV sales and the successful introduction of the Lumix digital imaging brand over the last seven years.
“My time with Panasonic Australia has been deeply rewarding and I am fortunate to have been a part of a highly successful team. I have no doubt that Panasonic will continue to go from strength to strength in the Australian market,” said Reid.
“I’m very excited about the opportunities within the Nordic region and look forward to maintaining close personal and professional relationships with the team in Australia.”
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Panasonic Australia managing director Steve Rust thanked Reid for his contribution.
“Paul has helped develop Panasonic into one of Australia’s best known and most trusted consumer electronic brands and I would like to thank him for all of his efforts during his time with us here,” he said.
“Paul has been a wonderful contributor to Panasonic Australia, leading his team through many years of growth, achievement and market share improvement in most consumer categories.”
Reid’s role will not be directly replaced, with Panasonic borrowing a trick from its friends in the AFL, and creating a leadership group. This trio, called the Consumer Leadership Group, consists of Richard Tassone (GM product marketing), Steve Sutherland (national sales operations manager) and Grant Sforcina (national channel sales manager).
This leadership group will report directly to Rust.
“The three members of the Consumer Leadership Group have more than 50 years of industry and Panasonic experience and a deep understanding of Australian consumers and our retail environment,” Rust said.
“Australia is well recognised throughout the Panasonic network as producing innovative executive talent, and we’re delighted to be able to usher in a new generation of leaders.”