Ricoh Australia appoints Tina Economou as managing director
Mon, 3rd Aug 2026 (Today)
Ricoh Australia has appointed Tina Economou as Managing Director, succeeding Yasu Takahashi.
She will take up the role in October. Most recently, Economou served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, overseeing major customer-facing functions and contributing to the company's commercial strategy.
Her promotion follows more than a decade at Ricoh Australia. Since joining in 2015, she has held a series of senior roles, including National Sales Manager, Victoria Branch Manager and Sales Manager for Government in Western Australia.
The leadership change comes as Ricoh Australia continues its shift from its traditional print business towards workplace technology and managed services. Economou's experience across sales, operations and government accounts was a factor in the appointment.
Takahashi will move to Tokyo after being appointed Deputy Head of Global Sales for Ricoh Graphic Communications. He has led the Australian business since April 2021.
During his tenure, Ricoh Australia strengthened its commercial base and expanded its market position. His leadership also helped develop key customer relationships as the business broadened its focus beyond print.
Leadership change
Kei Uesugi, Regional Director, Ricoh Asia Pacific, thanked Takahashi for his contribution and expressed support for Economou.
"Yasu joined Ricoh Australia at a difficult time and has helped build a strong foundation for the business. I would like to thank him for his leadership and contribution over the past five years," said Uesugi.
"Tina has taken on increasing responsibility since joining Ricoh Australia in 2015 and has earned the respect of colleagues through her leadership, commitment and hard work. She brings a deep understanding of the Australian business, its customers and its people, and I have every confidence she will continue to build on the progress already made. I also look forward to the perspective and experience she will bring to our regional senior leadership team," he said.
Takahashi also backed the appointment.
"Tina's appointment as Managing Director marks an exciting new chapter for Ricoh Australia," said Takahashi.
"She brings a strong understanding of our business, our customers and the evolving needs of the market, together with a clear commitment to innovation, collaboration and growth. I am confident Tina will continue to build on Ricoh Australia's strong foundations and lead the organisation with energy, purpose and a clear focus on delivering value for our customers and our people," he said.
Internal successor
Economou's appointment gives Ricoh Australia an internal successor with experience across several parts of the business. Her background spans frontline sales leadership, state operations and public sector work, placing her among executives shaped by the company's domestic operations rather than an overseas posting.
That matters in a market where customers are reassessing office technology spending, document workflows and managed service arrangements. Ricoh has increasingly positioned itself around broader workplace and technology support rather than relying solely on demand for office print hardware.
Globally, Ricoh operates in around 200 countries and regions and is headquartered in Tokyo. For the financial year ended March 2026, Ricoh Group reported worldwide sales of 2,608 billion yen, or about USD $16.4 billion.
In Australia, the appointment suggests continuity rather than a sharp strategic shift. Economou has already been involved in customer, sales and marketing decisions, and Ricoh framed the move as a progression of existing plans.
Her comments reflected that approach and included thanks to the outgoing leader.
"I am honoured to be appointed Managing Director of Ricoh Australia and to have the opportunity to lead a business and team I know so well," said Economou.
"Ricoh has strong foundations, a clear strategy and talented people across the country. I want to thank Yasu for his leadership and the important contribution he has made to our business over the past five years. I look forward to building on that progress as we continue to grow sustainably, strengthen our relationships with customers and partners, and help organisations simplify their workplace technology and respond to changing business needs," she said.