Sony Ericsson on Tuesday announced the appointment of John Featherstone as Managing Director for the Oceania region. 

Featherstone will be responsible for the development and execution of Sony Ericsson’s go to market strategy in Australia and New Zealand. 

“Sony Ericsson’s strategic objective is leadership in Android, which is expected to become the number one mobile operating system in Australia by end 2011,” said Matthew Lang, Head of Asia Pacific region, Sony Ericsson. 

“We’re excited to welcome John to the team. Given his experience and capabilities, he will be able to help us to develop and differentiate our Android smartphone range under Xperia and take the brand forward.”

John Featherstone said, “Sony Ericsson represents a really exciting proposition for operators and a great experience for consumers.  It is the only brand that provides access to the world of Sony and Android.  I am hugely excited to work with the team and with our customers and partners in this region to build brand value and grow our share in this dynamic market.” 

Featherstone replaces Brendan Johnston who, having completed his Oceania assignment will shortly repatriate to the UK to a new role.  Johnston contributed significantly to the Oceania business and oversaw the launch of Sony Ericsson’s first Android smartphones in Oceania during 2010.