Jack Abrams joined Nikon's U.S. sales operation 36 years
ago. He worked his way through the channels and became the
company's president and CEO in 1999. He is the first non-Japanese
executive to fill that position. As CEO of Nikon Inc., Mr.
Abrams oversees business throughout the Americas, which
are Nikon's largest market for film and digital cameras,
Nikkor lenses, scanners and binoculars. He spoke with the
Mitsubishi Monitor during an October visit to Japan. |
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On
the Mitsubishi connection
We have more than 350 employees,
who serve in a multitude of capacities to run our company.
Our managers and executives are keenly aware of Nikon's
connection to Mitsubishi. Most employees, however are not
aware of the relationship and don't need to be. We're proud
of our history, but--first and foremost--we're Nikon. That's
the name and brand we think about each day.
Growing through the ranks
I started with Nikon's U.S. distributor
in 1966 in a sales job based in Chicago. At that time, we
were an independent distributor, and we handled photographic
and other precision optical equipment from several manufacturers.
Business grew rapidly, largely due to the appeal of our
Nikon products, and we later became a wholly owned subsidiary
of Nikon. When I started in Chicago, I was responsible for
three states. Only six years later, my responsibilities
covered just three streets in downtown Chicago--our business
grew that fast.
After six years in Chicago, I assumed a management position
at the company's headquarters in Melville, New York. I've
been there ever since. Growing through the company has given
me a valuable knowledge of dealer relations, marketing and
consumer behavior.
On setting a precedent
Nikon has an international outlook,
and we have localized our American operations steadily through
Nikon Inc. I have worked with Nikon management for a long
time, and I am honored that they have entrusted me with
the responsibility for a core subsidiary.
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"At
Nikon, we continue to develop the finest precision products
on the market. I say that not as an employee of Nikon Inc.
but as a long-time photographer and observer of the photography
industry."
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On film and digital
Film cameras remain a huge market
for us, and film photography retains huge appeal for consumers
of all skill levels. At the same time, digital sales continue
to increase. We perceive room for both film and digital
in every photographer's workflow, whether professional or
weekend hobbyist.
On management issues
With technology changing daily,
the market moves faster than ever. We at Nikon Inc. have
a great relationship with our colleagues in Japan, and we
sometimes push hard for product development and manufacturing
to give us the products that we need to maintain our edge.
Nothing is more frustrating than watching a competitor get
the jump on you and we try to not let that happen. I am
pleased that we have been very good at anticipating consumer
demand and being prepared with the right products at the
right time.
Another issue is the regional diversity in market trends.
We keep working to tweak design and marketing to adapt global
products to regional circumstances.
On public-interest activities
Nikon Inc. has just launched a
new program called The Nikon Spirit Initiative. For years,
Nikon has played an important role in supporting educational
programs and workshops to inspire people to take great pictures
and strive for photographic excellence. The Nikon Spirit
Initiative brings all of these educational activities together
in a unified effort that speaks to photographers, students
and the community and helps to brand Nikon's generosity
and effort. |
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