Yohei Konaka has officially taken on the role of managing director at Konica Minolta Australia, following a delay in his official appointment due to COVID-19.
Konaka was named managing director of Konica Minolta Australia in early April, but was unable to travel to Australia due to coronavirus restrictions.
As a result, outgoing managing director of the company, Dr David Cooke, who announced his resignation from Konica Minolta in February, confirmed that he would stay in the role to see out the Japanese financial year and facilitate a smooth transition to his successor.
Over the past six months, Konaka has been working remotely with Dr Cooke and the executive team, using this time to understand the Australian market, which the company says has given him a “valuable head start” on creating a vision for the next 12 months and beyond.
In his 20 years with the company, Konaka has held appointments in the US and Canada, in sales and strategic planning roles. Most recently, he held a senior role in the digital workplace business at Konica Minolta Inc. in Japan, working on the development of key initiatives to contribute to the company’s digital transformation strategy.
“I look forward to taking on this role and continuing to drive the legacy that Dr David Cooke has left, as well as looking at ways to drive Konica Minolta Australia into the future,” Konaka said.
“There is no doubt that the global pandemic has resulted in a challenging and changing business environment, and it is important for Konica Minolta Australia, and its customers, to consider the way forward from here to ensure success.”
Dr David Cooke is expected to stay on at Konica Minolta Australia for two more months, but in a consultancy role, where he will continue to help Konaka onboard and meet with employees, customers and partners – where possible face-to-face, and where not possible, virtually – to ensure a smooth transition.
“Undeniably, an important part of my role will be to continue this ethos in Australia in line with the global position of creating value for customers and society, and the communities in which we operate,” Konaka added.
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