Satoren to Leave Toshiba as Consumer, PC Groups Combine

Vice President of Sales Jerry Satoren is leaving Toshiba America Consumer Products (TACP) as the company combines with Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS) and moves its headquarters to California, retail sources said.

Satoren’s departure will end his 13-year run at TACP, which he joined from Thomson in 1997 as director of sales before advancing to group vice president four years later. TACP and TAIS merged into a single operating company July 1 and decisions by TACP’s other top executives are expected in the coming weeks. Scott Ramirez, who was promoted to vice president of marketing for TACP products in May, wasn’t available to comment. Jodi Sally, vice president of digital AV products, declined to comment. “Final decisions for many of our executives, including myself, have not been determined,” said Maria Repole, vice president of communications. A TAIS spokesman wasn’t available to comment.

But some restructuring is complete, retailers said. Jim Donahue, vice president of field sales, will remain with the combined company, working out of a smaller East Coast office, sources said. Chris Larson, who handled TACP sales to Best Buy, was named vice president of sales for TV/DVD, sources said. TACP’s TV and digital AV marketing was merged into a central department that also handles PC products, storage devices, telephone systems and industrial cameras. TACP had about 65 employees at its Wayne, N.J., headquarters, sources said.

Under the new alignment, TAIS will sell LCD TVs, TV/DVD combos, Blu-ray players, portable and standard DVD players. Mark Simons will remain TAIS president. General Manager Jeff Barney will oversee digital products.