AA appoints chief mobility officer

The Automobile Association has announced a new role for the organisation, appointing former general manager of motoring services Jonathan Sergel as its chief mobility officer. 

By continuing to develop the AA’s core vehicle, driving and mobility-related services and extending these into sustainable mobility options, this role will oversee the increasing use of these solutions by its members. 

Sergel, pictured, will be supported in is work by the Roger Venn, general manager driving school and government contracts, Bashir Khan, general manager of roadside solutions, and Kyle Lincoln, acting general manager motoring services. 

“I’m delighted to be taking on this ground-breaking role for the association, which represents an understandable evolution for the AA,” says Sergel.

“Kiwis already see us as the place for trusted information on all things motoring, and we want to keep building on the relationship that already exists and extend this into mobility. 

“Mobility today, and mobility in the space of a few months, a year, or even in five years, will be a completely different environment, and it’s only going to evolve more and more rapidly. 

“My role will be to make sure that our members, and all New Zealanders are able to keep pace with that change, with all the information that they need at their fingertips.” 

Sergel explains his new position will, besides looking at general motoring, will involve integrated public transport and helping members find sustainable solutions to the “first and last kilometre” of their journeys.

He adds that one of the first priorities will be around new technology vehicles and helping members and other New Zealanders to make informed decisions on their next car.

“As the number of hybrids, EVs and clean car options increases on the roads, we will start to see more used options start to flow through to the market at a more relatable price for families. 

“As the AA, I think it’s vital that we help facilitate knowledge sharing and access to affordable options for all Kiwis. I want people to feel confident when they make the choice to buy sustainable, that they know what they are getting and that it is right for their situation. 

“For many households, that will mean the journey may see them transitioning from a high-emission to a low-emission solution, and then hopefully a no-emission vehicle choice.” 

Sergel assures members that alongside an increased push into sustainable mobility, the AA’s main focus will remain on the services provided for those moments when things go wrong on the road. 

“We have had almost 120 years of being an automobile association and motoring and the car will continue to play a very big part of what we do moving forwards, but we’re also conscious of the fact … we need to keep modernising and improving our roadside services and products.

“The motoring aspect to mobility will be one of the key things we’re focused on and making sure we keep our members going when they break down and have the ability to access servicing, warrant of fitness and driver licensing facilities.

“Cars are still a huge part of what we’re going to do but we also believe the time is right to broaden that out to wider aspects of transport.”

Sergel joined the AA as general manager of motoring services in December 2019 and says he has enjoyed the past three years, despite the unexpected challenges created by a global pandemic.

He notes it was interesting having to learn about the association and the motoring services team while sitting at home because of the Covid-19 restrictions that kicked in soon after he started.

“Then we have had the economic impact of Covid where one month we had zero revenue to another month setting records left, right and centre and then almost back to zero again,” he adds.

“It’s been a fun and challenging ride and I’m very fortunate to have had some good leadership around me to help me through those ups and downs.

“Now we’re almost through Covid the future is very bright with the plans we have. I feel like I’ve now got the best job in the industry because I’ve got the opportunity to talk to over 1.85 million members and help them make good transport decisions. 

“I feel very humbled to have that opportunity and I am looking forward to getting stuck into the new role.”