Sony Ericsson digital marketing chief leaves

Paul Fitzpatrick, digital marketing manager at Sony Ericsson UK, has left the company as part of global cost-cutting measures.

Fitzpatrick, who joined the mobile phone manufacturer a year ago as its first dedicated digital marketing manager, has been made redundant as the company seeks to reduce costs in light of the global economic problems.

David Hilton, marketing director of Sony Ericsson UK, said, “As part of a global drive to reduce costs we had to lose our digital marketing manager position. Sadly one head had to go.”

Hilton said the role’s remit would now be spilt among the 11-strong marketing team, including the campaign and channel managers.

Sony Ericsson laid out cost cutting measures after it posted a £6.9m loss in 2008. The cost-cutting measures aim to save €180m (£161m) on top of the €300m (£268m) it announced in a restructure last year.

Hilton said the company aimed to focus on product launches such as the first video walkman due to launch mid-year and the company’s strategy to become leaders in global entertainment.

Hilton added Sony Ericsson plans to increase its general media spend by 5% this year.

Fitzpatrick joined the UK’s number two mobile phone manufacturer from General Motors UK and Ireland where he was digital marketing manager.

He was appointed to develop Sony Ericsson’s digital strategy in the UK and Ireland in a bid to boost its brand and handset sales.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk