Group celebrates leaders
The winners of a company’s emerging and advanced leaders programme, who have worked on special projects while continuing their day-to-day roles, have been celebrated at a ceremony in Auckland.
Eagers Automotive recognised the scheme’s 2025 graduates and announced this year’s victors during the event at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron.
The company notes the programme is in its seventh year and plays a key role in developing future leaders from within the business.
The top-in-class award for the emerging category went to Linda Liang, a service adviser at John Andrew Mazda, and Katie Lester, an assistant sales manager at North Harbour Ford, took out the advanced section.
Cate McDonald, reconditioning manager at Eagers Automotive’s Southern Hub, was crowned the inaugural winner of the outstanding growth award.
Employees for the scheme are nominated by the firm’s leadership teams and selected through a review process led by Mike Critchley, NZ executive general manager, and Debbie Reyland, NZ regional HR manager.
“This year we welcomed 13 participants into the emerging leaders programme and eight participants into the advanced leaders programme,” says Eagers Automotive on social media.
“Each person took part in five full-day workshops delivered throughout the year... The sessions focused on leadership principles, communication, accountability, team development and bringing new ideas to life.
“A core part of the programme is putting learning into action. Throughout the year, participants worked on group and individual projects aimed at improving processes and driving positive changes across the business, all while balancing their regular roles.”
The company says the scheme is a substantial commitment for all participants and it looks forward to seeing the 2025 graduates continue their leadership journeys.
“We’ve seen many past participants grow into senior roles across the company, and this year’s group has shown the same passion and potential,” it continues.
“Their hard work reflects the strength of the programme and our belief in growing our own talent.”
