Penske has promoted one of its own to oversee its branch operations in New Zealand
Penske has announced the appointment of Brian Wilson as its new general manager of its New Zealand branch effective immediately.
Wilson joined Penske’s NZ in early 2023 as its operations general manager. Penske says his expanded role will see him oversee all of its NZ branch operations and lead the Western Star, MAN and Dennis Eagle truck sales business.
Penske says that in recent years, having opened brand-new facilities in Christchurch and Tauranga, its New Zealand business is seeing solid success, particularly in energy solutions, rail, marine, on-highway and parts and service.
Penske says this will be further boosted as the new MAN truck generation supply into New Zealand ramps up and as the new Western Star X-Series arrives.
“After almost a year of overseeing the New Zealand operations, I am excited to expand my area of responsibility as general manager for Penke New Zealand overall,” Wilson says.
“Our national team of on and off-highway experts across our branch network are focused on delivering bespoke and innovative solutions to customers.
“From the new MAN truck generation and the pending Western Star X-Series – for which we are already taking orders – to the energy solutions, defence, mining, rail, marine, agricultural, construction and oil and gas markets, our pipeline is very healthy.”
Penske Australia and New Zealand managing director Hamish Christie-Johnston says that Wilson’s strong leadership has positively impacted on its NZ operations.
“A seasoned leader, Brian’s stamp on the New Zealand business over the past several months has been noticeable,” Christie-Johnston says.
“He has a great understanding of our branch operations locally and the broader business in Australia, enabling him to drive our strategic priorities and ultimately improving the customer experience.
“Brian will also be focused on attracting and developing local staff as we continue to grow the overall Penske business on both sides of the Tasman.
“On behalf of the business, I’d like to thank Brent Warner, previously the New Zealand country manager, for more than a decade of service to Penske and wish him well in his new endeavour.”