Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has strengthened its senior management structure with the appointment of two new resident Directors, and the
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has strengthened its senior management structure with the appointment of two new resident Directors, and the replacement of an existing non resident Director, during the company’s Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting.
IAL had been operating with only two resident Directors, Phil Taylor, Director of Sales & Marketing and Masayuki (Yuki) Murata, Managing Director, since the August 2006 retirement of Director of Finance, George Ghiocas.
Following an exceptionally busy period for the company over the last 12 months during which several major projects were brought to fruition, IAL says it reviewed its organisational structure in line with the company’s strategic objectives going forward.
The review identified the requirement to enhance selected roles and responsibilities of the management team at Director level, which has been formally addressed in the latest appointments.
Formerly National Parts Manager, Peter Rutkis, is appointed Director – Engine & Parts Operations.
Mr Rutkis will retain his current responsibilities for IAL’s Engine and Parts Operations, however his new appointment acknowledges his broader strategic role in overseeing planned business expansion.
Mr Rutkis will continue to report to Phil Taylor, whose title has been expanded to Director & Chief Operating Officer (COO), to more accurately reflect his role with IAL.
Kazumasa (Kaz) Suzuki is the second of the new residential Directorship appointments, and now holds the position of Director of Administration & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), filling the position previously occupied by George Ghiocas.
In the non-residential appointment, Mitsuteru Yageta, whose role with Isuzu Motors Limited (Japan) is General Manager – Overseas Sales, replaces Ryoji Yamazaki who is now assigned to other territories.
Consistent with the new titles of COO and CFO describing the Directorships of Taylor and Suzuki respectively, the title of IAL Managing Director, Yuki Murata, is now Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
In commenting on the appointments, Mr Murata said the changes would assist IAL to meet its future challenges.
“I am confident that this enhanced management structure will better equip the Isuzu team with the depth and focus to continue to meet our objectives going forward,” he says.
“The new appointments will also assist us in further exploring new opportunities in the Australian market in truck, marine, industrial and aftersales products. Furthermore, I congratulate and wish our new Directors well in their roles.”