Sony Ericsson steps up a gear with new marketing and communications chiefs

London, UK – Sony Ericsson is announcing that Cathy Davies will assume the role of Global Head of Communications and PR following the announcement last week that Aldo Liguori will be stepping down from the post. Steve Walker, currently acting Head of Marketing is confirmed as the new Global Head of Marketing. Both roles are effective from the 1st March.

The new appointments underpin the company’s strategy to take a leadership position in the Android market with its popular range of Xperia smartphones. In recent months, this strategy has seen the company make significant steps to develop its online presence and launch game changing propositions into the market, including the world’s first Playstation certified smartphone.

Bert Nordberg, President & CEO, Sony Ericsson said, “Cathy and Steve have worked closely together on a number of highly successful operational marketing projects in recent years and bring excellent complementary skills to Sony Ericsson’s senior management team. As we move into the next stage of long term growth plans, they have a central role to play in delivering a brand experience that that is second to none in the smartphone sector and creating lasting relationships with consumers the world over”

Steve Walker steps up into his role having been with the joint venture since its establishment in 2001, holding a variety of positions including Head of Product Marketing and Head of Portfolio Planning. He will report directly to Sony Ericsson’s EVP and Head of Sales and Marketing Kristian Tear.

Steve said, “It has been extremely rewarding to play a key role in Sony Ericsson’s journey to becoming a leading player within smartphones. I am delighted to take over responsibility for marketing at a time when we have so many exciting new product experiences to communicate and share with passionate consumers around the world.”

Previously Head of Brand & Strategy at the company, Cathy Davies will take over from departing communications chief Aldo Liguori who is moving on after seven years at the company. Cathy will report into the President & CEO Bert Nordberg. Aldo will remain at Sony Ericsson until end October during which time he will manage the transition and operate as a communications advisor to the global team, while continuing to report to Bert Nordberg. Cathy will oversee the current PR team, including Head of External Communications and Analyst Relations, Holly Rossetti, who joined the company in January 2011 from Amdocs. Cathy joined Sony Ericsson in 2008 from Ford Motor Company where she held both local market and regional roles.

Cathy Davies said, “I’m delighted to be leading the Communications and PR team at a time when the company is moving into such an energising phase both as a business and from a communications perspective. I look forward to working with the team to build on the strong foundations already in place.”