Suzuki in Capable Hands with New CEO and Executive Team

With combined experience at Suzuki New Zealand of close to 60 years, the new CEO and Executive Team is in a good place to continue the success of this well-known automotive, motorcycle and outboard brand.

Following the recent retirement of its well-respected CEO, Tom Peck, the torch has been passed to Gary Collins, the company’s long standing and well-respected General Manager of Automobile.

Together with Simon Meade, the equally experienced Executive General Manager of Motorcycle, Marine and After Sales, and the well accomplished Liz Maddox-Strong, General Manager of Finance, Admin and IT, the Executive Team’s expertise and knowledge will be instrumental in guiding Suzuki forward. The change in management structure places a greater emphasis on the Executive Team with all members expanding their responsibilities.

In addition to taking on the top job, Collins continues his role as Executive General Manager of Automobile.

“It is an honour to be part of such an amazing team at Suzuki. I am excited to take on the role and to continue to be part of a brand that everyday Kiwis know and love”, Collins says.

“With the full support of the Executive Team, we look forward to building upon the foundation laid by Tom. Thanks to the talented people we have in place at head office and our supportive Suzuki dealerships nationwide, we are in a good position to continue to grow and achieve our goals together.”

Collins’ move to CEO is not only a natural progression. It will also ensure a seamless transition for the Japanese–owned company that has been part of the New Zealand landscape for the past 40 years, and even further back with the Whanganui based Coleman family from the early 1960s.

“We welcome Collins-san into his new role with complete confidence in his ability to continue Suzuki’s tradition of excellence and growth while delivering unparalleled service to their customers and support to their dealerships nationwide,” says Tomoyuki Shimazaki, Division Manager, Oceania and Latin America Automobile Division at Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Grateful for Suzuki’s mentorship and support over the years, Collins is adamant that the level of quality and professionalism that customers have come to expect from Suzuki will remain unchanged.

Collins has been with Suzuki New Zealand since completing a Bachelor of Business Studies in 1993. Initially joining the company as a Marketing Assistant, his leadership qualities, and deep understanding of the industry have seen him rise to top management, where for the past decade he has been the General Manager for Automobile.

“My career in the motor industry has spanned three decades, and I feel extremely fortunate to have been involved with Suzuki and to be part of such an exciting and dynamic line of work,” says Collins. “I’m also very pleased to be working alongside Simon and Liz in the Executive Team who have such extensive industry knowledge and will be instrumental in our company strategic plans and adapting our business to an ever-changing market environment.”

Having immersed himself in various roles throughout the company, Collins’ first-hand familiarity and proven track record has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike, ensuring he is the ideal successor for this strategic role.

For further information please contact:

Suzuki New Zealand Automotive Marketing Team

adminmv@suzuki.co.nz