Canon Europe appoints new Head of Canon Emerging Markets business unit

Rainer brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Canon Europe, with a successful career at Canon spanning fifteen years. Prior to his new appointment, Rainer was European Sales Director of Canon Consumer Imaging (CCI), directly involved in the development and implementation of pan-European sales operations since the creation of the CCI business unit in Europe. Previous to this, Rainer was Director of Marketing at Canon Euro-Photo in Germany.

Rainer Fuehres, the new Head of Canon Emerging Markets said:

"The emerging markets are important areas of growth for Canon Europe and we are committed to making the most of the business opportunities they represent to further strengthen the Canon presence and expand our customer base in these territories. I am looking forward to working with the central and regional management teams that have been focused from the outset on delivering added value for both Canon and our customers."

Rainer succeeded Akio Ito on 1st November. Akio Ito was responsible for leading the development of Canon Emerging Markets from a series of small distributor offices to a one billion euros business now operating across 96 countries. He now takes up an important central strategic role for Canon Europe as Director of the President's Office.

Canon's commitment to the regions of Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa is further bolstered by activities including its sponsorship of the Russian Football League and the upcoming MTN Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2008. This month will also see Canon host its 'Concerto Dubai' event in the United Arab Emirates, the first time the company has staged a major event for Middle Eastern customers.