Yohei Konaka has taken on the role of managing director of Konica Minolta Australia, effective immediately. This follows a delay in his official appointment due to Covid-19.
Over the past six months, Konaka has been working remotely with outgoing managing director David Cooke and the executive team. He has been using this time to gain an understanding of the Australian market, which he says has given him a valuable head start on creating a vision for the next 12 months and beyond.
Digital print systems developer Konica Minolta supplies the AccurioLabel 230 digital label press into ANZ, as well as the MGI range of digital embellishing solutions for labels and packaging.
In his 20 years with the company, Konaka has held appointments in the US and Canada in sales and strategic planning. Most recently he held a senior role in the digital workplace business at Konica Minolta in Japan, working on the development of key initiatives to contribute to the company’s digital transformation strategy.
Konaka said he looks forward to taking on the new role and continuing to drive the legacy that David Cooke has left.
“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,” he said.
Cooke will stay on for two months 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.
Under Cooke’s tenure, Konica Minolta Australia developed a reputation as a company that cares about its employees, customers, and the community, and one that is deeply committed to ethical leadership and creating societal value.
“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 said.
