IAL announces new Managing Director & CEO
24 April 2012
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced the appointment of Mr
Koichi Yoda as Managing Director and CEO, replacing Mr Masayuki
(Yuki) Murata who held the position for eight years.
Mr Yoda, who officially took over the role on 1 April, has an
extensive background with Isuzu Motors Limited, including several
senior postings.
He began his career at Isuzu in 1980 after finishing university
with a law degree; he spent nine years at Isuzu Motors, Japan,
before transferring to American Isuzu Motors Inc. in 1989.
Mr Yoda spent seven years in total working in North America where
he held several senior positions including CFO of American Isuzu
Motors Inc.
Upon returning to Japan, he was assigned to other senior roles
including General Manager for the GM Project Department and later,
the North American Operations Department.
In 2008 Mr Yoda was appointed CEO of GM Isuzu Camiones Andinos
(Colombia & Ecuador) before again returning to Japan in 2011 to
take on the responsibility of Associate Division Executive for
Export Sales Division No.1.
Mr Yoda cites his time in South America as one of the most
interesting and rewarding experiences in his career.
"The venture represented Isuzu's first foray into South America
and as such there were many challenges to overcome in setting up
these operations," he said.
"We worked closely with General Motors in a joint venture and
achieved some excellent sales results as well as increasing brand
awareness."
Mr Yoda said he looked forward to the opportunities and challenges
the Australian role would bring.
"The Australian market is an extremely important one for Isuzu
Motors," he said.
"With 23 years of consecutive truck market leadership here, the
Isuzu brand has a tremendous presence and history in this
country. Our strong performance in Australia over many years
is certainly held in the highest regard by Isuzu Motors,
Japan."
According to Mr Yoda, the Australian market is unique and although
IAL enjoys a strong position here, there are future challenges to
overcome.
"Australia is a sophisticated and mature market," he
said.
"Regulatory requirements are strict and many manufacturers compete
here. A few years ago the bulk of Isuzu's direct competition
came from Japanese manufactures, but more recently Korean companies
have entered the market along with some Chinese competitors.
"With the increasing competitive pressure it's important that
Isuzu continues to provide customers with a total offering - it's
not just about the product itself but the support services we can
provide our customers.
"From what I've seen, IAL is very customer-centric and a leader in
customer care - it's important that this continues for our ongoing
market success. I'll be working hard for IAL in any way
possible to maintain and increase our position in the market into
the future."
Yuki Murata - European assignment
Outgoing Managing Director and CEO, Yuki Murata, has been assigned
to Europe to take on the role of Chairman, Isuzu Motors Europe
Ltd.
Mr Murata said he had very much enjoyed his eight years at the
helm of IAL and the friendships and associations he'd made over
this time. He also expressed confidence that Mr Yoda would
provide a very positive impact on IAL.
"I've been fortunate to have worked with IAL for eight years and
will have many fond memories of my time here," he said.
"I have no doubt that IAL's success will continue under Yoda-san
and I look forward to hearing of Isuzu Trucks achieving 25 years
and more as No.1."
ends
For further information, please contact:
Jeff Birdseye
Marketing Manager
Isuzu Australia Limited
Phone: 03 9644 6666
For Isuzu Truck Releases and Photos:
Arkajon Communications
Phone: 03 9867 5611
Email: isuzu@arkajon.com.au