Pioneer laid off at least four district sales managers last week, according to numerous industry members.
District sales managers in the Northeast, greater Texas region, greater Tennessee region and elsewhere were notified they were terminated on Thursday, last week. The lay offs were effective the following day, according to retailers.
Pioneer has not issued any formal explanation of the layoffs, leaving dealers to wonder who their point of contact with the company will be going forward.
Several dealers lamented the layoffs noting they enjoyed long term relationships with their Pioneer district managers, who were helpful in securing product and promotional discounts. Additionally, the layoffs come at a time when Pioneer has released its 2019 lineup with some products on allocation. As a result, dealers are looking for a conduit to Pioneer to help streamline product flow.
Pioneer Electronics USA told CEoutlook it had no comment on the matter.
Pioneer Corporation was purchased by Baring Private Equity Asia in January. But, the car audio market leader has yet to issue a communication with its dealers explaining any new policies or procedures resulting from the sale.
It’s a sad day when a company lets good, honest hard working people go. It speaks to the disconnect that company has with the people who work at the store level. Our Pioneer rep has always been in our best interest, through sales training, product knowledge and was one of the strongest reasons we supported Pionner. Thanks for all your hard work Vinny. Their loss, not yours.
Our Pioneer rep was the best 12v rep we have had in 32 years. He grew our business year over year. He had product knowledge and a understanding how to communicate that to our sales staff which was key. He participated in everyone of our events over the years. Letting these reps go with no notice tells us a lot about the new regime. Might be time to look elsewhere. Vinny you will be missed tremendously. Good luck and we know you will be a great asset wherever you land. Thank so much.
The no strategy, strategy?
Our Rep was a King in his field. The extinction of the position will be sorely missed.
If you were one of the people affected please let us know at MiTek / MTX. We have open positions for sales managers and as of the end of March were up 89%.
Racing to the bottom was never a winning strategy…. The beginning of the end for a great company.