Panasonic have announced that it has appointed Kentaro (Kent) Ikeda as the new Managing Director of Panasonic Connect Europe, based in Wiesbaden, Germany. This announcement marks the next step in the company’s long‑term strategic development across the region, with Mr. Ikeda bringing extensive international leadership experience from within the Panasonic Group. Joining Panasonic in 1999, he has a strong track record in driving operational excellence, cross‑regional collaboration, and customer‑centric innovation.
Mr. Ikeda previously served as Managing Director of Panasonic Connect Asia in Singapore, the regional headquarters for integrated system solutions.
In this role, he led the company’s regional growth and transformation into a comprehensive B2B solutions organisation spanning consulting, systems integration, application development, and installation services.
Before joining Panasonic Connect Asia, he spent 13 years with Panasonic North America, where he successfully drove new business development, portfolio management, and corporate strategy. His experience across multiple regions and business domains positions him strongly to guide Panasonic Connect Europe through its next phase of growth and alignment within the wider Panasonic Group.
Shusuke Aoki will transition to the role of Managing Director of the Mobile Solutions Business Division at Panasonic Connect, effective 1 April 2026. Mr. Aoki will oversee the continued growth and success of Panasonic as an industry-leader in delivering state-of-the-art rugged devices and end-to-end mobility solutions.
Mr. Ikeda commented: “I am honoured to take on this role. Building on the strong foundation established under Mr. Aoki’s leadership, I look forward to further strengthening Panasonic Connect Europe and guiding it into its next phase of growth.
As a key pillar of the Group’s global strategy, Panasonic Connect Europe is well positioned to drive value in this period of transformation. Together with our teams, partners, and customers, we will continue to create value and achieve sustainable growth.”
Under Mr. Ikeda’s leadership, Panasonic Connect Europe will continue to advance the reforms and strategic priorities already underway, enhancing corporate value while ensuring stability, continuity, and unified direction across the region.
