Nikon(R) (USA) Announces Executive Promotions, Adds New Product Development Department
MELVILLE, N.Y., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced several executive promotions among the senior management of the company, along with key organizational changes within the Marketing and Sales departments. Nikon has also created a new Product, Technology and Engineering Department at its USA headquarters to further assist in developing new technology as well as providing technical support. The moves mark Nikon's continued commitment to dynamic growth and leadership in the photography and imaging industry.
"Nikon (USA) continues to see tremendous growth in its business and much of this success can be attributed to the company's dedicated employees. Nikon's management is comprised of the smartest individuals in the industry and I take great personal pride in announcing promotions for several members of our team here in our Melville, New York office," said Jack Abrams, president and CEO of Nikon Inc. "With an energized management team and the reorganization of key departments, Nikon will continue its leadership role in the growth of digital photography and imaging," he added.
Officials promoted at the time of this announcement include David C. Lee, promoted to senior vice president of Nikon Inc.; Richard LoPinto, promoted to senior vice president of Product, Technology and Engineering; Jerry Grossman, promoted to vice president of Marketing; Joseph Carfora, promoted to vice president of Sales; Jay
Vannatter, promoted to National Sales Manager; Steven Heiner, promoted to general manager for Digital SLR Cameras and Nikkor Lenses; and Ed Fasano, promoted to general manager for Film Products, Dealer Net and Accessories.
David C. Lee began his prolific career at Nikon as a photo salesman and has risen through the ranks to hold several key positions with the company including regional manager for the South Central Region, National Field Sales Manager and vice president for the Photo Sales Division. Assuming his new position as senior vice president of Nikon Inc., Lee will supervise the Marketing, Sales, Communications and Internet Development departments at Nikon.
Richard LoPinto has led various departments at Nikon during his career spanning over 30 years at the company. Most recently, LoPinto's responsibilities included marketing of Nikon's digital and 35mm film Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras, Nikkor lenses and accessories. In his new capacity as senior vice president, LoPinto will manage the newly created Product, Technology and Engineering department and will oversee the development of new technology and product concepts for all Nikon imaging products.
With over 15 years in the photographic industry, Jerry Grossman has held several important positions at Nikon ranging from general manager for Communications, vice president for Internet Development and vice president for Marketing, Consumer Digital and Compact Cameras. With his newly appointed position as vice president for Marketing, Grossman will oversee marketing and planning for all Nikon imaging products, including consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras and Coolscan(R) digital film scanners.
Joseph Carfora joined Nikon in 1991, and has since proved to be an important part of the company's sales development for electronic imaging products. Over the past several years, Carfora has effectively managed Sales for compact consumer digital and film cameras. With his new position as vice president of Sales, Carfora's responsibilities are now expanded to include sales for all Nikon Imaging Products.
Jay Vannatter began his career with Nikon in 1983, and has managed Sales Departments in several key markets for the company. Vannatter joined as District Sales Manager, and progressed to Regional Sales Manager for the Central Division before assuming his new responsibilities as National Sales Manager for Nikon. Vannatter's new responsibilities include supervision and management of national sales in the Photo Specialty Division for Nikon.
After pursuing a successful career as a photojournalist, Steven Heiner joined Nikon in 1985, and has since been at the forefront of applications for Nikon's digital SLR technology. Transitioning from his former position as manager, Sales Development for Digital SLR Cameras, Heiner will assume his new role as general manager for Marketing, Digital SLR cameras and Nikkor lenses. Heiner will also be responsible for managing Nikon School.
Ed Fasano started his career at Nikon as a District Sales manager for Colorado and New Mexico, in 1985. Since then Fasano has established a proven track record of impeccable performance with the company. With his most recent position as general manager for E-Commerce Marketing Fasano managed Nikon DealerNet, Nikon Mall and Nikon Dealer Locator Systems. In his new position as general manager for Marketing, Fasano will manage marketing of film SLR cameras and system accessories, Nikon Mall and Nikon DealerNet.
Along with personnel promotions, Nikon is also reorganizing important departments within the company. Separate groups within Nikon's marketing divisions are now combined under a single cohesive marketing department, and Nikon's sales department has also undergone similar consolidation. This will not only strengthen existing departments, but also ensure continued growth for Nikon, and the ability to quickly and effectively lead the market with innovative programs and solutions.
About Nikon
Nikon ... If the picture matters, the camera matters(TM). Nikon Inc. is the
world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is
recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance
for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon
Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional
35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System
Accessories; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras;
Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems;
and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM),
the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced
photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational
programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or
visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's
most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
Source: Nikon
CONTACT: Saurabh Wahi, swahi@mww.com, or Brian Williams,
bwilliams@mww.com, both of The MWW Group, +1-201-507-9500, for Nikon
Web site: http://www.nikonusa.com/