Nathan Vautier, currently head of sales for Sony Ericsson UK & Ireland, will succeed Harber and will become responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the company’s UK & Ireland business based at Sony Ericsson’s offices in Farnborough.
Harbour will join Aliph, the manufacturer of the award winning Jawbone Bluetooth headset, as head of EMEA.
Harber, commenting on today’s announcement, said: “After spending 15 great years at Sony and Sony Ericsson, I’ve decided to embark on a new role within the mobile industry to pursue further personal and professional challenges. Leading the UK business of such a pioneering mobile communications company has been incredibly rewarding. Building a strong team of innovative and capable professionals has been fundamental in ensuring Sony Ericsson’s success and I believe that we have built strong foundations upon which to enter the next phase of the company’s growth. I have every confidence that Nathan will continue to drive the UK business for future success and there was no doubt in my mind he is the best man for the job.”
Harber joined Sony in 1993 as product manager, Sony Marketing and having come up through the ranks was appointed Sony Ericsson UK & Ireland managing director in 2006.
Under Harber’s stewardship the company has enjoyed a lengthy period of growth and success. Harber has played an instrumental role in the company’s development of a broad and innovative product portfolio, which has included the introduction of Cybershot imaging phones in 2006, and building on the success of the popular Walkman range of music handsets.
Vautier brings to the role extensive global sales, business development and strategic management experience, having worked in various countries for mobile handset, operator and infrastructure companies. A Sony Ericsson veteran, Vautier took up the role of head of sales for Sony Ericsson UK & Ireland in 2007. Prior to this Vautier held the positions of EMEA enterprise director and head of business sales for a Sony Ericsson Global Account since joining in 2004.
Commenting on his new position, Vautier said: “I’m delighted to take up this position and to have the opportunity to build on our successes and John’s great work to date. The global mobile industry is entering a period of accelerated change and this, coupled with a challenging economic climate, means that manufacturers will need to innovate to stay ahead. The UK & Ireland are key markets for Sony Ericsson and I’m looking forward to challenging and exciting times ahead.”