Panasonic Life Solutions India has announced that Manish Sharma, the long-serving Chairman, has stepped down from his position after more than ten years of steering the brand through significant growth and transformation.
During his tenure, Sharma played a pivotal role in shaping Panasonic’s India strategy, focusing on Make in India, local manufacturing expansion, and organizational restructuring. His leadership helped Panasonic strengthen its position in India’s fast-growing consumer electronics and appliances sector — especially in segments like air conditioners and LED televisions, where the company became a visible competitor.
According to industry reports, Sharma revealed his decision to resign during a company-wide town hall, attended by Masahiro Shinada, Head of Panasonic’s global appliances business. While Sharma transitions out, Tadashi Chiba, MD & CEO, will continue to oversee the Indian operations to ensure business continuity.
A Decade of Growth and Transformation
Under Sharma’s leadership, Panasonic India not only expanded its product portfolio but also increased local manufacturing capacity. He was instrumental in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods such as ACs and LED lights, contributing to India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
He also chaired the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) between 2014–2018 and continues to influence India’s electronics policy through committees like FICCI’s Electronics Manufacturing Committee and SCALE, which aim to boost local value addition and exports.
Panasonic’s Strategic Shift
Earlier this year, Panasonic announced its exit from the refrigerator and washing machine segments in India as part of a global restructuring. While these units were loss-making, the company aims to realign focus toward profitable and high-demand categories in the Indian market.
Industry experts suggest Sharma’s departure comes at a time when Panasonic is repositioning itself as a more agile, export-driven brand in India.
For detailed financial and market updates on this development, visit Moneycontrol Business News Page.
Leave a Reply