San Diego, CA—Sony announced it is promoting Neal Manowitz, currently deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions – Americas for Sony Electronics, to president and chief operating officer for Sony Electronics Inc. North America.
The company also reported that Mike Fasulo, who has led Sony’s Electronics operations in North America for the past seven years, is retiring. Fasulo served 37 years with Sony. Moreover, the leadership change will take place on April 1, 2021.
“Throughout his extensive career at Sony Electronics, Mike has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication; culminating in the strategic turnaround of our electronics business in North America and the achievement of record results,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, chairman, president and CEO, Sony Corporation. “Through his uncompromising focus on creating unique and compelling customer experiences, he has contributed greatly to Sony’s purpose to ‘fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.’
“He has also maintained an unwavering commitment to serving the community and society. I want to thank Mike for his strength, passion and exceptional stewardship of Sony Electronics over many years,” added Yoshida.
Incoming President/COO, Sony Electronics NA
Neal Manowitz has 25 years of experience with Sony. In his current position, he is deputy president, Imaging Products and Solutions – Americas for Sony responsible for Sony’s imaging and professional businesses that serve a variety of markets.
Previously, Manowitz held numerous leadership positions throughout Sony. They included heading up the Home Audio and Video business group. Additionally, he holds 35 patents with 40 in progress.
“Neal’s 25 years of service to Sony have been defined by his remarkable performance. I’m confident that with his strong background in technology, and expertise in engaging closely with customers, he will further contribute to enhancing Sony’s value in the North American market as a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology,” Yoshida said.
“Neal has a distinguished track record of innovation, people development and a deep knowledge of Sony. I’ve had the privilege and honor to work alongside Neal for decades; I can say with complete confidence that he’s the right person to lead the Sony Electronics North American operation, our largest market, toward the future,” commented Fasulo, retiring president and COO. “Additionally, his compassion for others and his focus on an inclusive learning environment, diversity and the betterment of society fits perfectly with Sony’s global purpose and values. His proven track record of leading and posting significant results make him the ideal successor at Sony Electronics.”
“This month marks my 25th anniversary with Sony; I’m honored and humbled to be asked to step forward and lead the best team in the industry,” said Manowitz. “I am thankful for the leadership and guidance Mike has provided me and to the entire North American team. We will continue to lead innovation for all of Sony, listening to our customers, while striving to maintain Sony as the best place to work.”
Fasulo: A Successful Career
Mike Fasulo joined the company in 1984 as a financial analyst. He also held several leadership positions in the company, including executive vice president, Sales; U.S. chief marketing officer; president and CEO, E-Solutions, LLC (an e-commerce start-up with seed funding from Sony Corporation); as well as president of the Media Solutions Company.
He was named president and COO of Sony Electronics in 2014. In that role, he oversees Sony Electronics’ multibillion-dollar business across North America. During his tenure he led a strategic transformation and dramatic cultural change that resulted in a successful turnaround. Since 2015, 25 entities have recognized Sony Electronics Inc. North America as a best place to work over 49 times.
“It has been a true pleasure to have spent the last 37 years with Sony,” said Fasulo. “Through hard work and determination, we were able to achieve significant contributions to Sony and this great industry. I am a firm believer in building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment.
“I have been dedicated to sustaining a culture that is engaging, open and transparent while addressing real societal issues; such as diversity, social justice and corporate social responsibility. As a result, Sony Electronics’ business in North America is in great financial shape with a very strong leadership team and an extremely talented pool of employees.”
After leaving Sony, Fasulo will continue to serve as a trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He will also continue as immediate past chairman of the executive board of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
