Ayonz general manager and industry stalwart, David Hargreaves passed away unexpectedly late last week shortly after his 67th birthday on Tuesday.
“With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our general manager, David Hargreaves,” Ayonz said in a statement.
“David was an honourable and ethical leader, a loyal colleague, a loving husband, and a devoted father. His kindness and engaging personality have touched many of us, impacting our team, customers, and suppliers. David’s legacy will be celebrated and remembered by all who knew him. He will be missed forever.”
Hargreaves spent his entire career in the consumer electronics industry, starting out as a state sales manager for Sony in 1997, spending 15 years with the company, including as general manager from 2007 until his departure in 2012.
He spent the next two years with De’Longhi as national sales manager for Nespresso before a short stint as general manager of sales and marketing for Korean multimedia company, Topfield, which has since ceased trading in Australia.
In 2015, he founded his own consultancy business, DRH Advisory, providing advice and support to businesses looking for change in management, marketing, channel strategy and service.
He then joined Ayonz in January 2017 as general manager and director, responsible for product and market development, brand management and supply chain.
Ayonz CEO, Ziad Yaacoub told Appliance Retailer, “David was a kind-hearted soul with a vibrant personality yet strong, compassionate and a fighter. Whether you knew him for a short time or a lifetime, you couldn’t help but be impacted by his warmth, generosity, and the way he made everyone feel like they mattered. It’s rare to meet someone whose presence seems to light up a room, whose laughter was contagious, and whose heart was as big as his dreams.
“In the time that David was with us, he taught us many lessons — both big and small. We learned the value of hard work, being ethical, loyal and resilient. While we mourn his loss, he remains with us in spirit.”
Narta CEO, Michael Jackson told Appliance Retailer, “This news has been absolutely shattering not only for everyone at Narta but also myself after a friendship over the last 25 years. We stayed very close to David after he left Sony and helped him transition to Ziad and the team at Ayonz.
“Only a couple of weeks ago I was talking to him about our conference next year. I have not seen a reaction like this to someone’s passing for a very long time – everyone has been sharing their favourite stories about David. He will be remembered as an industry legend.
“David was someone who always wore his heart on his sleeve and would do anything for anyone. He was a special person and a lot of the people I have been speaking with are still in shock. We are thinking of Leah, Mitch and the rest of his family at this time.”
Harvey Norman executive general manager – electrical, Haydon Myers told Appliance Retailer, “I’m in total shock of the news on the passing of David Hargreaves. It’s a reminder of how precious life is. David was always a man of strong business belief and integrity. We shared many great times together over the years. Our team at the Flemington office send our deepest condolences to the Hargreaves family.”
Harvey Norman UK managing director, Lachlan Roach said: “I can’t believe it. David and I were talking recently, and he was looking to visit in early December looking for opportunities. My sincerest condolences to David’s family and closest friends.”
Former managing director of Sony Australia, Carl Rose, who worked very closely with David for over 13 years, shared his reaction to the news.
“I feel personally shocked and very saddened. David was already at Sony Australia when I joined the business coming across the ditch in 1996. He will always be remembered as a people person. The fact that David remained within the industry after leaving Sony shows that he loved this industry very much,” he told Appliance Retailer.
Former Smeg SDA national manager, Arthur Banbas said, “I am very saddened to hear about David’s passing. We worked together at De’Longhi/Nespresso and the knowledge and experience was enormous. My deepest condolences to David’s family – gone but never forgotten.”
Former Nespresso sales director, John Ciaglia said: “I am very sad to hear of David’s passing. I worked closely with David during our time at De’Longhi/Nespresso. My prayers and thoughts go out to David’s family and friends.”