Panasonic North America In Newark Welcomes First Female CEO

NEWARK, NJ — An experienced corporate executive in New Jersey is helping to raise the bar for diversity at Panasonic.

Earlier this month, the Japan-based tech company named Megan Myungwon Lee as chair and CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, its principal subsidiary in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The division has a headquarters in Newark.

Lee is Panasonic North America’s first female CEO. The achievement is significant to note, because it helps draw attention to the low number of female business leaders in the U.S., the president of Executive Women of New Jersey recently told roi-nj.com.

“Panasonic not only had a great female leader in their pipeline — they recognized that they had a great female leader in their pipeline,” Anna Maria Tejada said. “That’s important.”

• See related article: Rutgers Law School Dean Trailblazes For Asian-American Women
• See related article: De Peña Marks Another 'First' For Belleville's Latina Community
• See related article: Which NJ Counties Have The Most Women In Politics? See The List

Lee has more than 30 years of experience serving in a variety of senior leadership roles with the company. She is currently the chief human resources officer and vice president of corporate planning and strategic initiatives at the Panasonic Corporation of North America, and is also acting chair of the board of the Panasonic Foundation.

Lee will take over her new post on Oct. 1. She succeeds Michael Moskowitz, who is departing Panasonic after more than a decade in top leadership roles with the company.

“This is a pivotal time for our company and in the technology industry, and I am honored by the opportunity to lead Panasonic Corporation of North America as we seek to drive sustainable growth, deliver more complete, differentiated solutions and create better experiences for our customers,” Lee said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.