Changes at top for Isuzu

Isuzu New Zealand has appointed Colin Muir as general manager for this country’s number-one selling truck brand.

Following the resignation of Oliver Foote, who leaves after three years at the helm and eight years at both Holden and Isuzu, Muir officially takes the reins on July 25.

He graduated from the University of Stirling in Scotland with a degree in marketing and came to New Zealand in 2002 as business manager for Gough Gough and Hamer before joining Isuzu in 2009 as sales and marketing manager.

Jeff Murray, managing director of Holden NZ, who also oversees Isuzu trucks, says: “Colin has a great knowledge of Isuzu and its people and has been an important part of the team. I believe he will thrive in his new role.”

Muir adds: “Isuzu has been the number-one selling truck for 14 years in a row due to a few reasons. One is the quality and options offered in our trucks, and another is the people behind the brand from sales and technicians to customer service.

“I have a responsibility to ensure Isuzu continues to be the product customers have come to expect and look forward to the challenges.”

Meanwhile, Michael Doeg has been appointed as sales and marketing manager for Isuzu.

He joined Holden in 2006 as a district manager, was promoted to sales operations manager in 2008 and became national sales manager in 2010.

Doeg, who has worked in motor vehicle sales and management since the mid-1990s, says: “Although I’ve been working in the motoring industry for a long time, the truck element will bring challenges I’m excited about. It’s also important I continue to provide the support dealerships need and deserve.”