Panasonic Unites Government Business, Appoints Senior Director

In the wake of a reorganization that brought the federal and commercial groups under one umbrella, Panasonic announced that Jan Ruderman will take on the role of senior director of government business. The news comes shortly after Jan O'Hara, senior director for Panasonic's federal region, announced plans to leave at the end of July.

Previously, Panasonic's public sector business was split, with federal government handled primarily by O'Hara and Michelle Chapin, director of Panasonic's government channel, and state and local government, public safety and homeland security overseen by Ruderman. Now, he will be in charge of a unified government vertical, which will fall under Panasonic's overarching channel program.

"This structure sends a much more cohesive message about our strategy," Chapin says. She couldn't comment on the circumstances that led to O'Hara's departure. "There are so many partners that overlap these areas. Many that sell into one, sell into others."

Long-time Panasonic partner GTSI views the move as a positive one that offers opportunity to grow sales -- particularly in state and local government, where the Chantilly, Va.-based solution provider holds a number of contracts.

"This common program could bring more scale," says Scott Friedlander, GTSI's executive vice president. "[The strategy] is more focused, driving deep capabilities through vertical solutions, and making sure to line up with the appropriate partners. They're listening."

Panasonic will continue to have a separate support arm for government, with area sales managers working individually with partners, and additional headcount brought on board to help drive business growth. The company also plans to increase its total number of partners to help drive growth across the government segments.

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