Panasonic Corp. said Feb 28 that it appointed Tom Gebhardt as the CEO and chairman of Panasonic Corp. North America to replace Joseph Taylor, who is retiring, effective April 1.

Gebhardt has managed Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. of America since 2012. He also served as president of Panasonic Industrial Group, president of Panasonic Factory Solutions Co. of America and general manager of Panasonic Batteries.

Taylor will assume the role of vice chairman of the company until Dec 31.

Scott Kirchner will succeed Gebhardt as president of Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. of America. Kirchner currently serves as chief technology officer and executive vice president of Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. of America.