US: Panasonic (North America division) is pushing its leaders up the ranks, with the current COO, Joseph M Taylor, moving into the role of Chairman and CEO as of April 1, 2010.

He is succeeding current chairman and CEO Yoshi Yamada, who will be moving to Japan to head the global Industrial sales business sector of the company.

"Mr. Taylor has led many of the company's strategic business efforts, including creating a B2B enterprise solutions group and launching and coordinating companywide Full HD 3D TV product and promotion initiatives," according to Panasonic.

Taylor has served as COO since 2007 and worked for Panasonic for a significant 26 years, making him a true veteran of the company.

Prior to becoming COO he was president of Panasonic's Industrial Company, a division company that supplies industrial components and electronic devices to America's largest manufacturers and assemblers.