He will be succeeded as managing director by Mohit Parasher who will take over from January 1.

Mr Parasher has led the company's consumer marketing operations in Europe since September 2009 where he was responsible for Sony's European marketing strategy.

This included marketing communications, online business, retail, consumer insight, European accounts, brand activation at touch points and customer service.

Previously, he transformed Sony's performances in India, Dubai and Poland.

Of Mr Dowdle's departure, a company statement said: "Steve has made an outstanding contribution to the Sony organisation and the electronics industry.

 "He will be missed not only by the employees of Sony UK but also by the many dealers he has worked with over the years, as well as his colleagues in Europe and Japan."

The statement added: "Steve's flair, energy and passion coupled with his affable personality, are a matter of record and have been consistently demonstrated over his many years with Sony.

"The industry will also credit him for his campaigning stance on many issues that he felt would affect the long-term well-being of the electronics business in the UK."