By Matthew Henry

SYDNEY: David Allen will leave Sony Australia after 17 years to join the Narta group as national digital technology manager, responsible for managing key categories such as digital cameras, digital audio and car navigation.

Allen has held various roles at Sony Australia including in training, car audio management and most recently as the marketing manager for Sony’s entire range of audio products including home theatre, micro and mini hi-fi and Walkman portable audio players.

Allen’s resignation from Sony Australia was announced internally via a memo sent to staff from managing director, Carl Rose, while Narta has also informed its retailers via email.

Allen told Current that it has been an amicable resignation after such a long period of service to the leading consumer electronics brand in the Australian market.

“It is purely a decision I made after 17 years to take a change and move into a new direction,” Allen said.

“Sony is one of the world’s great organisations in any industry and I look forward to working with them in my new role. I have always had a great respect for Narta and the Narta organisation, looking forward to this new challenge,” he said.

Narta national merchandise manager, Michael Jackson, confirmed that Allen will start with the retail buying group on Monday 13 August.

“One of our major areas of focus is to increase our market share in IT and associated categories ," Jackson said.

"The addition of David Allen to the team with his background and experience will enable us to concentrate further on the growth categories of digital still, camcorder, digital audio and car navigation.

"David also brings experience in training and development which will be of great benefit to Narta members.  We believe David will become a valuable member of our team and I look forward to working with him.”

Allen replaces Leanne Tieu who left Narta earlier this month to rejoin the Nuance Group, a Narta member that includes Downtown Duty Free.

Ironically, Tieu returned to Nuance to replace Keiran Gallagher, who was national technology buyer for Nuance but left the retailer to join Sony Australia as product manager for digital still cameras. Prior to joining Narta, Tieu reported to Gallagher at Nuance.

Gavin Carter will continue in his role as Narta’s national AV manager for audio and visual categories.