This article first appeared on Convenience & Impulse Retailing, authored by Deborah Jackson
Fujifilm Australia has announced the appointment of a new CEO, welcoming Michio ‘Mich’ Kondo to the role from 4 August.
Kondo, who will be based at Fujifilm Australia’s headquarters in Macquarie Park, will oversee operations across both Australia and New Zealand. He takes the reins from Richie Matoba, who has led the business for the past three years and will now transition to a new leadership role at Fujifilm North America.
During Matoba’s tenure, Fujifilm Australia celebrated a number of major milestones. The company opened the House of Photography retail store in Sydney, delivered the first Aperto Lucent Open MRI machine outside of Japan to Altus Medical Imaging in Gladesville, and launched the world’s first ‘printed memories’ campaign. Fujifilm Australia also marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of innovation and community contributions.
“Richie’s leadership has helped Fujifilm Australia consistently grow and make meaningful contributions to the local community,” the company said in a statement.
Mich Kondo brings a wealth of international experience to the Australian market. Over the past 12 years, he has served as Managing Director of Fujifilm operations in Canada, Turkey, and the Middle East Africa region. In these roles, he oversaw local subsidiaries and played a key role in growing the Medical, Photo Imaging, and Graphic divisions in a wide range of markets.
Kondo has also focused on portfolio expansion following the integration of Hitachi’s Medical Division and led the launch of the Office Printer Division, unlocking new commercial opportunities.
“Mich is eager to leverage his experience to contribute to the further growth of Fujifilm Australia,” the company said.
Alex King, Division Manager, Human Resources and Corporate Communications, thanked Matoba for his time as CEO and welcomed the incoming leader.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Richie for his leadership and innovative thinking over the last three years,” said King. “With Mich joining the team, we hope to continue innovating with customers and partners in the region, while supporting our community with new technology.”
In a message ahead of his arrival in Sydney, Kondo said he is looking forward to building on the strong local legacy.
“I’m excited to get to know the local team and customers in Australia,” he said. “Fujifilm Australia has a strong history of innovation, and I’m looking forward to continuing this trend.”
The appointment comes as Fujifilm Australia continues to focus on its group purpose of Giving our World More Smiles – a mission the company says guides its efforts to make a positive impact across the region.
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