Marque bolsters leadership team
Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) has announced four internal appointments as part of an ongoing strategy to strengthen its national operations and support dealer performance.
Tom Wylie, pictured left, has been appointed head of vehicle sales and operations, Nathan Thomas, pictured right, is now head of aftersales, Steven Blackmore takes on the technical services manager role and Elliot Gill has been made senior technical adviser.
MMNZ says the moves reflect its commitment to recognising and developing talent from within its ranks, an approach the company notes fosters deep product knowledge, strengthens dealer relationships and preserves its “family” culture.
The firm explains its internal focus has led to high-performing team members being promoted into leadership roles and follows the success of similar leadership appointments in 2023.
Warren Brown, president and chief executive officer, says the latest promotions are proof the company’s in-house talent pipeline is working as intended.
“We always look to promote internally when the right people are already here,” he adds.
“It’s a successful approach that builds loyalty, keeps our family culture strong and means our leaders already understand what matters to our dealers and customers.”
Wylie joined MMNZ in 2021. He has held key roles in finance and aftersales, most recently working as head of aftersales, but now shifts focus to vehicle sales and dealer operations.
“I’m pumped for a new challenge,” he says. “I have huge respect and admiration for our dealer partners, and I’m excited to bring my background in parts and service to help find synergies across the business, and to build on strong foundations to support our dealer network.”
Thomas came to the company from a dealership background 10 years ago and has progressed from technical services adviser to technical services manager, and is now head of aftersales.
“This is an amazing opportunity,” he adds. “I hope to use my industry experience to keep improving our outstanding dealer network and help them be the best they can be for our customers.”
Blackmore brings prior dealership experience to the technical services manager role after being MMNZ’s technical services adviser since 2021.
“Steven’s combination of technical knowledge and overall diagnostic expertise makes him a natural fit for this leadership position,” notes Brown.
While Gill, who joined MMNZ in 2023 as a technical services adviser, has been promoted to senior technical adviser thanks to his “problem-solving skills and strong technical insight”.
Brown adds: “These appointments reflect the true depth of talent already in our business.
“I’m confident they will further strengthen a team that thrives on working together to keep raising the bar for our customers.”
