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Panasonic to return to Japanese leadership as India chairman Manish Sharma steps down
ETRetail.comยท2025-11-08 04:22

Core Insights - Panasonic India has appointed Tadashi Chiba as the new head, replacing Manish Sharma, who has resigned after a 17-year tenure [1][6] - The company is shifting back to Japanese management after previously being led by an Indian executive, marking a significant change in its leadership strategy [2][6] - Panasonic has exited the refrigerators and washing machine business due to losses and is now focusing on televisions and air-conditioners, with India becoming the second-largest market for ACs [2][5] Company Performance - Panasonic India reported a revenue of approximately Rs 11,100 crore and a net profit of Rs 1,100 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 [5] - In the previous fiscal year 2023-24, the group revenue was Rs 9,700 crore with a net profit of Rs 830 crore, indicating a growth trajectory [5] Strategic Shift - The company has transitioned from a consumer electronics focus to a technology-oriented approach, emphasizing B2B solutions, including EV batteries and smart factory solutions [2][6] - Panasonic's industrial devices and smart factory solutions segments have surpassed Rs 1,000 crore, driven by initiatives like "Make in India" and electrification [6]