Industry veteran ‘excited’ to join GWM
GWM Australia and New Zealand has appointed John Kett as its next chief operating officer, effective from February 3.
Kett, pictured, has 35 years of automotive industry experience and will join the company after spending the past five-and-a-half years in the same role for Hyundai Australia.
He is replacing Hidesuke Takesue, who is retiring after seven years as chief operating officer.
During his career, Kett has held a number of senior roles across New Zealand, Australia, China, South Korea, Singapore and Indonesia with brands including Holden, Fiat Chrysler, SsangYong and SAIC.
His nearly seven years with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Shanghai between 2009 and 2015 included senior roles such as vice-president, general manager operations Asia-Pacific (Apac), head of Jeep brand and Apac chief financial officer.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining GWM, a brand driven by a very talented workforce, partnered with a very focused and engaged dealer network, and enabled by an ever-evolving portfolio and technology offering,” says Kett.
“The sheer weight of numbers behind GWM certainly positions the brand very well at a time customers are most discerning.
“Ensuring tomorrow's technology is within reach for everyone today, will help build and strengthen GWM SUV, ute and off-road credentials across petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrids [PHEVs] and EV powertrains and five-star safety.”
GWM ANZ notes Kett’s leadership style has been influenced by his time spent in roles across Apac and was considered an important factor in his appointment.
Charles Zhao, GWM ANZ managing director, adds: “We are delighted to have someone with John’s broad industry and cross-cultural experience join the team in this important senior leadership role.
“At the same time, I would like to thank Take-San for his leadership over the last seven years and for helping build the GWM business to what it is today and wish him the very best in his retirement.
“We now look to John to lead the local team in working towards further growth in brand value and sales volume in 2025 and beyond.”
He continues that GWM is preparing for the arrival of updated products in 2025 including the Cannon and H6, and the addition of advanced PHEV technology to the brand’s H6GT, Cannon Alpha and Tank 500.
In 2024, GWM sold a record 45,954 new vehicles across Australia and New Zealand.
