Manish Sharma moves on from Panasonic; Tadashi Chiba to oversee India ops

Panasonic Life Solutions India has said that Tadashi Chiba, MD and CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, will manage the India business as Manish Sharma, Chairman & ESGO of the company, has decided to move on from his current role after a 17-year term with the organization. 

Sharma will continue to support the organization during the transition period.

Manish Sharma, Chairman & ESGO, Panasonic Life Solutions India & SA, said, “It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on Panasonic’s journey of building a strong local presence to evolving into a diversified and trusted partner that touches millions of lives. I feel privileged to have helmed this organization and worked alongside an incredibly talented and committed leadership team. Over the years, we have built not only a strong and diverse business but also a purpose-driven culture anchored in trust, innovation, and customer-centricity.”

Sharma further added, “With the renewed global strategy and direction, I am confident that Tadashi Chiba, along with Indian leadership, is well-positioned to advance the company's growth efforts. Panasonic is not only a company, but a legacy, and I firmly believe it is well-positioned for the future. This is the right moment for me to step aside from my executive responsibilities and accelerate the planned transition. I plan to focus my energy on my personal pursuits, which will continue to be aligned and accelerated for the growth of the industry and our country.  I wish the Panasonic team every success in their pursuits and am confident that they will continue driving sustainable growth and delivering meaningful impact for our customers, partners, and communities.”

Commenting on the decision, Masahiro Shinada, President, Panasonic Corporation, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said, “We are grateful for Manish’s contributions to Panasonic group in India and in making India a pivotal market and manufacturing hub. We have seen the company grow local innovation, manufacturing, and diversify the business further. We remain committed to India Market and business in India and our customers and are confident in the Indian leadership to drive the company forward.”

During his tenure, Manish successfully led the strategy planning and business development for diverse Panasonic businesses in India and South Asia, driving profitable growth across the B2C, B2B, and B2G segments. He was instrumental in advancing innovation efforts through the India Innovation Center, building capabilities through fresh investments across categories and offerings such as Panasonic Avionics etc. Under his leadership, Panasonic strengthened its position as a trusted technology brand, expanded its local manufacturing footprint and established its largest manufacturing facility in Jhajjar (Haryana), advanced Panasonic’s digital transformation initiatives, and deepened its commitment to sustainability and social impact in India.

Besides his work at Panasonic, Sharma has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. He has been a Member of the Steering Committee for Advancing Local Value-Add and Exports (SCALE), formed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Chair of FICCI’s Electronics Manufacturing Committee and Energy Storage Committee, and Co-Chair of the India–Taiwan Business Cooperation Committee. He also served as President of CEAMA (Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association) from 2014 to 2018, making significant contributions to policy advocacy and industry development.