For the first time in the history of Japanese electronics giant Panasonic, an Indian has been appointed on the coveted decision-making body of the $80 billion company. Manish Sharma has been working as senior executive of the company now. Sharma's induction into the global role comes along with an elevation in his role at the Indian subsidiary too. He has been appointed as the president and CEO of Panasonic's India and South Asia operations. He was earlier MD of Indian operations.
The global executive council of Panasonic is a key decision-making body that gives shape to the company's business plans across the world. Mainly dominated by senior Japanese executives, the 50-member council also has the global president and other board members. “The role will help me access global strategies and help drive in higher resources and new business plans for the Indian market,” Sharma, who at 44 is the youngest to crack into Panasonic's executive council, said.
Panasonic is not the first Japanese electronics company to give a key global role to an Indian. In April last year, Sony had also elevated Sunil Nayyar, sales head of its Indian business, to lead its consumer electronics business in the US, its largest market. Panasonic also appointed Daizo Ito, previously president of the Indian business, as managing executive officer, Panasonic Corporation.
“India is at the heart of the Panasonic's 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,” Kazuhiro Tsuga, president of Panasonic Corporation, said. Apart from Sharma, international representatives in the executive council include three Americans and one European. The company wants enhanced representation from officials from key markets as it goes about localization of products and technologies
