Vienna, 18 June 2024 – THOMSON, a distinguished name in European consumer electronics, is proud to announce the appointment of Zafer Pirim as the new Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), effective immediately. This strategic move aims to bolster THOMSON's market presence and drive growth across these key regions, encompassing roughly 30 countries.

Zafer Pirim brings nearly 27 years of extensive experience in the TV industry. He began his career as a hardware engineer at Siemens Nixdorf in Padeborn, Germany. In 1997, he joined Vestel, where he held various key positions, including production engineer, R&D engineer, purchasing manager responsible for semiconductor and LCD panel purchasing, product manager for TV, B2B sales manager for public displays and set-top boxes for telecom operators. From 2013 to April 2024, he served as Area Sales Manager, overseeing TV sales across East Europe, the Benelux region, and the Nordic market. Additionally, he managed consumer product sales in almost 25 countries through brand license projects at Vestel.

"I am happy to be part of the THOMSON family," said Zafer Pirim. "My aim is to introduce the THOMSON brand, which is 130 years old, and the latest THOMSON technology to the region where I am responsible. I am sure that the people who will meet with THOMSON technology will become fans of this brand and love the easy-to-use experience with THOMSON."

In the CEE and CIS regions, THOMSON will introduce a comprehensive range of products, including Smart TVs, streaming devices, soundbars, and eventually monitors. Under Zafer Pirim's leadership, THOMSON's go-to-market strategy will be executed in two phases:

Phase One will concentrate on Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. Three key trends have been identified in these markets:

• Middle-Sized Smart TVs (43" to 55"): There is a significant consumer demand for Smart TVs in the middle-size range, offering an optimal balance of screen size and functionality.
• Large-Sized Smart TVs (up to 85"): The market is increasingly seeking very large Smart TVs equipped with the latest technology, such as 144 Hz refresh rates, which provide smooth and responsive visuals ideal for action movies, sports, and gaming.
• Streaming Devices: Many households still utilize non-smart TVs, indicating a considerable requirement for streaming devices that can upgrade these TVs to smart functionality. Additionally, numerous Smart TVs older than three years have limitations in supporting the latest content from platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime, DAZN, and HBO. Streaming devices effectively address these issues.

Phase Two targets Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia. In these regions, family is a core value, and a TV serves as a central technology that unites people in their living rooms. The demand here is for large-sized Smart TVs with advanced technology.

About THOMSON
Founded in France in 1893, THOMSON embodies true European heritage. With a rich history extending beyond 130 years, the THOMSON brand has been part of the world’s greatest technological revolutions, solidifying its role as a true pioneer in this industry. It has played a key role in developing the first radios, video recorders, mp3 players, TVs and more. Throughout its history, the company has remained true to its mission of making innovation and cutting-edge technology accessible to all. Today, THOMSON is committed to producing highquality products that seamlessly combine convenience with the latest smart technologies.

THOMSON aims to make sure that everyone can share unforgettable experiences and moments of joy with their loved ones. This is evident in the design and the functionality of its products, which are tailored to meet the needs and preferences of a diverse range of consumers. The brand offers a vast range of electrical products spanning television, audio-video, telephony, computers, networked products, household, home appliances, health and well-being. THOMSON continues to uphold its legacy as a leading force in the tech industry and through it all, has stayed true to its mission: creating useful innovations that put customers first.

For further information please contact:
PER Agency
Kalya Filip / Daniel Sayyadi / Thui Le
thomson@per-agency.com 
Hofmannstrasse 54 81379 Munich
+49 89 9213151-70