Panasonic became the largest consumer electronics company in the world during Matsushita's 40-year tenure, first as president then chairman of the board of Matsushita Electric. He joined the company as an auditor in 1940 after marrying the daughter of Matsushita founder, Konosuke Matsushita. He steadily moved up the ranks, becoming president of Matsushita in 1961, then took over for his father-in-law as chairman in 1977. It was during this time that Matsushita championed the development and introduction of VHS and the camcorder, ushering in the age of home video. In 2000, he was elevated to honorary chairman, a ceremonial position he relinquished in January 2004.