Outgoing Konica Minolta Australia chairman/MD Dr David Cooke has agreed to continue in his current role until Australia's borders are reopened and new MD Yohei Konaka can travel to Australia from Japan.
Konica Minolta Australia chairman and MD Dr David Cooke
“Previously, we announced that Yohei Konaka will be taking over as managing director as of 1 April, however due to the borders being closed to Australia it has been decided that I’ll stay in this role until it’s possible for Yohei to travel to Australia, so I look forward to continuing to work with you all,” Cooke said in a statement.
“I have no doubt that this will be a significant time of change and it will involve many personal and professional challenges. And we will most likely have to rethink many things now and in the future.”
Cooke last month resigned from Konica Minolta Australia after almost 15 years, including seven years as chairman and managing director. He had planned to stay on until mid-July to see out the Japanese financial year and ensure a smooth transition.
In an update this week, Cooke said: “There’s no doubt that Australia, and the world, is facing challenges that we wouldn’t have imagined even a short time ago.
“COVID-19 is affecting lives and livelihoods on a scale that we’ve not known in our generation. As we watch the news unfold daily, our thoughts are with those who are being directly affected and the healthcare professionals that are caring for those in need.
“Like many of our customers we’re learning what these changing times mean to us as a business and how we can work through the challenges that we’re currently facing. We’re working with our customers to support their business and we’re finding new ways for our technologies to make a difference in the fight against COVID-19.
“Ensuring people’s safety is our priority and I’m proud of all those who have made the transition to working remotely, and of our dedicated technicians, consultants and trainers who continue to support our customers with new safety and health protocols in place.
“It’s a time of uncertainty for many, and our aim is to make sure we can look after our employees, our partners, our customers and the community through these times, as we have at all times. I have no doubt that this will be a significant time of change and it will involve many personal and professional challenges. And we will most likely have to rethink many things now and in the future.
“I know we’ll get through this time, and that Konica Minolta will continue to create genuine value for our customers and society with our technology, our solutions and our people. Most importantly, take care of yourself and each other and let’s work together with kindness and consideration for everyone in our community, especially those most vulnerable.”
Under Cooke’s leadership, Konica Minolta has developed a reputation as a company committed to ethical leadership. He’s also been instrumental in expanding its office and production printing units and providing products such as 3D printing and robotics, as well as software and services.
New MD Yohei Konaka is currently employed in the office business planning division of Konica Minolta headquarters in Japan. He has held roles in both the US and Canada in his 19 year career with the company.
https://www.konicaminolta.com/au-en/index.html
