James Sanduski, president of Sharp Home Electronics Company of America (SHCA), will retire on March 31, ending a 41-year career in the consumer electronics and home appliance sectors. Grace Dolan, currently senior vice president of Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA), has been appointed as his successor and will take over as president on April 1.
The company stated that this leadership change is the result of a yearlong succession planning process by Sanduski and the executive management team to support organizational stability.
Jeff Ashida, chairman and CEO of Sharp Electronics Corporation, said: “Jim has shaped Sharp in meaningful ways, and we are deeply grateful for the strong foundation he leaves behind. His commitment to our people, our customers, and the business has been instrumental in bringing us to where we are today. As we thank Jim for his many contributions, we are excited to welcome Grace into this role. She brings the strategic clarity and disciplined execution needed to lead Sharp’s consumer business into its next phase of growth.”
Sanduski’s time at Sharp spanned 14 years, during which he led initiatives such as expanding the market for the Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven—developed and assembled in Memphis—and growing Sharp’s presence across all major kitchen appliances. This expansion made Sharp the only Japanese brand in the US offering a full kitchen portfolio.
“Leading SHCA has been the privilege of a lifetime,” said Sanduski. “I have seen this industry reinvent itself time and time again, but the culture of innovation and resilience we have built here at Sharp is what I am most proud of. After 37 years in the industry, the timing is right to step away, especially knowing that the organization is in such exceptional hands with Grace’s remarkable ability to transform brands, open new markets, and build powerful partnerships.”
Dolan will continue leading sales and marketing while also overseeing manufacturing operations in Memphis as well as service solutions based in both Memphis and Montvale. Her previous experience includes leadership roles at Samsung, Frontier Communications, and Johnson & Johnson. Since joining Sharp last August, she has worked closely with Sanduski on transition plans.
“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the incredible foundation Jim has established,” said Dolan. “Through our work together over the past few months, I have gained a deep appreciation for the passion and commitment that drive this team. I look forward to leading SHCA into its next chapter, unlocking new opportunities that will serve our customers for years to come.”
Sanduski will remain with SHCA as an advisor through June to assist with leadership transition.
