National managers sign up
Inchcape New Zealand has appointed national sales managers for SsangYong and LDV following the recent acquisition of the two brands’ distributorships in this country.
Penny Thorne has been appointed national sales manager for SsangYong NZ. She assumes responsibility for overseeing the strategic management of the marque’s sales and operations teams, and supporting the performance of its dealer network.
Joining Inchcape with extensive automotive experience spanning commercial vehicles, operations and brand management, plus sales and marketing roles, Thorne will play a “crucial role in fostering a sustained culture of success, and enhancing the overall experience for the retailer network and customers”.
Geoff Phillips, pictured above with Thorne, has become LDV NZ’s national sales manager. In this integral role, he assumes similar responsibilities as Thorne.
Phillips joins Inchcape with a broad range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer sales and client management experience across various industries including digital and technology, property and government.
Wallis Dumper, managing director of Inchcape NZ and Subaru of NZ, says: “With the addition of LDV and SsangYong to Inchcape’s portfolio in New Zealand, it is vital we support the vehicle range and retailer network of the brands with formidable senior managers.
“I’m delighted to welcome Penny and Geoff at this exciting time for the company as we continue to deliver on Inchcape’s ambition, as part of the Accelerate strategy, to expand our global footprint and be the number-one distributor of choice.
“Penny and Geoff’s appointments further grow the team of dedicated professionals responsible for bringing LDV and SsangYong to New Zealand customers, and meeting their varied mobility requirements including increasing demand for electric vehicles.”
The two appointments further strengthen the team representing LDV NZ and SsangYong NZ. Dumper is supported by the Inchcape NZ leadership team comprised of Tim Barns-Lawton as general manager of business development and operations, Daile Stephens as head of brand marketing and Robyn MacDonald as general manager of finance.
