Panasonic Connect Europe has appointed Kentaro Ikeda as managing director, effective from 1 April 2026, in a move the company said marks the next phase of its long-term strategic development across the region. Ikeda, who is based in Wiesbaden, Germany, joins the European leadership post after serving as managing director of Panasonic Connect Asia in Singapore.
The company said Ikeda brings nearly three decades of experience inside the Panasonic Group, having joined in 1999 and later spent 13 years at Panasonic North America working across new business development, portfolio management, and corporate strategy. His more recent role in Asia included leading growth and transformation across consulting, systems integration, application development, and installation services — experience that Panasonic is now positioning as relevant to its next European chapter.
Ikeda said: “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.”
The appointment comes with a related leadership change, as Shusuke Aoki moves to become managing director of the Mobile Solutions Business Division at Panasonic Connect. Panasonic said regional reforms and strategic priorities already underway will continue under Ikeda’s leadership, with an emphasis on continuity, stability, and alignment across the wider group.
