Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. today announced that, as stated by Panasonic Holdings Corporation, it’s President and CEO, Yasuyuki Higuchi, will resign from his position as Executive Officer, President, and CEO effective March 31, 2026, and will assume the role of Senior Executive Advisor as of April 1, 2026.
The company also announced that Kenneth William Sain (Ken Sain) will succeed him as Executive Officer, President, and CEO. Additionally, Sain will continue to serve in his current role as CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
Since taking office as President of Panasonic Connected Solutions Company — the predecessor of Panasonic Connect — in 2017 Higuchi has led various transformations, including business and cultural reforms, for approximately eight and a half years. As a result, Panasonic Connect achieved its highestever profits in the fiscal year 2025.
Sain has served as Executive Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Panasonic Connect, overseeing the global avionics business, and has successfully led and grown the business since 2019.
He possesses deep experience in hardware and software development, integrated solutions, services and digital transformation. Drawing on this experience, he will lead the overall business operations of Panasonic Connect.
Commenting on the transition, Higuchi endorsed his successor, stating, “Ken is an exceptional leader with extensive global experience and a deep understanding of business and technology.
“I am confident that he will carry forward the spirit of Panasonic Connect while steering the company towards further growth.” As the company moves towards the n next fiscal year, Panasonic Connect will continue to promote the reforms undertaken thus far and aim for further enhancement of corporate value.
Ken Sain – Biography
1997: MBA, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management
1999: Principal/Manager, A.T. Kearney Management Consultants
2008: Director, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services
2011: Managing Director, Boeing Professional Services
2016: Chief Operating Officer, Boeing Digital Aviation
2017: CEO, Jeppesen; and Vice President, Digital Solutions & Analytics, Boeing Global Services
2019: CEO, Panasonic Avionics Corporation 2022: Executive Vice President, Panasonic Connect; and CEO, Panasonic Avionics Corporation
2025: Senior Executive Vice President, Panasonic Connect; and CEO Panasonic Avionics Corporation
About Panasonic Connect
Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. was established on April 1, 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system. With roughly 29,700 employees worldwide and annual sales of JPY1,333.2 billion (FY3/2025) the company plays a central role in the growth of the Panasonic Group’s B2B solutions business and provides new value to its customers by combining advanced hardware, intelligent software solutions, and a wealth of knowledge in industrial engineering accumulated in its over 100-year history. The company’s purpose is to “Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow.” By driving innovation in the supply chain, public services, infrastructure, and other sectors, Panasonic Connect aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society and to ensure wellbeing for all.
Featured image credited to Panasonic Connect
