Daughter succeeds dad at dealership
It’s truly a family affair at North Otago Toyota as Lisa Wilson has replaced her father, Peter Robinson, as chief executive officer of the Oamaru-based business.
Wilson, pictured, was promoted into the role at the beginning of January after being acting chief executive officer since June last year. Before that she was chief operating officer at the company.
She also worked in the family-owned dealership during her school and university years before returning in 2020 as administration manager and chief finance officer. In between times she spent 11 years with Deloitte in Dunedin as a chartered accountant and business consultant.
“It is my vision to align our brand with like-minded organisations or individuals who are prepared to give back to the community that has supported us throughout the previous 40 years we have been in business,” she says.
“We have been consistently able to attract and develop highly motivated and talented people, and I am looking forward to working closely with the next generation of leaders in our business to assist them in achieving their goals and objectives.”
Wilson adds the business has a strong community focus and is committed to making a positive impact across North Otago through sponsorships and community groups.
Robinson, who spent 31 years as chief executive officer, says the timing was right for the transition of the leadership position to his daughter and he will remain with the company as a shareholder and director.
He also plans to move into a sales consultant role to support Wilson and his son, Michael, who is new vehicles manager at the company.
“I’m thrilled to have led the company into a position where we have an exciting future, and I am confident that, under Lisa’s leadership, North Otago Toyota will continue to build upon the great culture we have created across the business,” says Robinson.
Robinson started his career in 1983 with Wrightcars Oamaru, a GM dealership, and when it was purchased in February 1989 by John Rush Toyota he became part of the Toyota family.
In 2017, Peter and his wife Leonie took over full ownership of North Otago Toyota, which was a finalist for the Toyota Supreme Award in 2021 and 2022.
