New boss for Skoda NZ

Skoda New Zealand has announced Alex Brown will be its new general manager after being promoted from his current role as national parts manager for European Motor Distributors (EMD).

He replaces the outgoing Rodney Gillard, who has been with EMD for more than 13 years and became general manager at Skoda NZ in August 2019.

EMD, part of the Giltrap Group, is the authorised importer and distributor for Audi, Cupra, Porsche, Skoda, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Brown, pictured above, has been part of the company since January 2019 after first spending more than three years as Audi New Zealand’s national service manager.

Prior to that he worked for Infiniti Motor Company in Hong Kong and has also had roles at Ford and Hyundai in New Zealand.

Skoda NZ says Brown has a “unique blend of talents” and was chosen for the top post from a number of strong contenders.

Meanwhile, Gillard’s last day with EMD will be on December 22 and he is set to join Tristram European as general manager of its West Auckland Volkswagen dealership in early 2024.

“Rodney has always had a desire to be involved directly with the retail side of the industry,” says a statement from EMD. “It’s a great opportunity for Rodney to challenge himself, after many years of telling retailers how to do it, he’ll get to show us all how it’s done.

“He has a way of generating enthusiasm and sweeping people along with whatever task he happens to be tackling, which will serve him well in his new role.” 

Before his time at the helm of Skoda NZ, Gillard spent nine years with Volkswagen NZ as national sales manager and 13 years in management roles at Nissan New Zealand.

Skoda NZ says its brand has been “substantially strengthened” whilst Gillard, pictured below, has been in charge, with the winning of the contract to supply NZ Police with vehicles a highlight.