New CEO for Toyota NZ
Neeraj Lala is taking over as chief executive officer of Toyota NZ from Alistair Davis, who has retired from the position he has held for 12 years.
Currently chief operating officer, Lala, who is only the fifth local CEO since the company was established more than 50 years ago, will start in his new role on July 1, while Davis retains a connection with it as non-executive chairman of the board.
The wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) prefers to promote from within and maintain stability through the long tenure chief executives.
Lala, pictured, is excited to take the helm of Toyota NZ as TMC transitions from a traditional marque known for its cars, trucks and vans to a mobility company focused on future technologies.
“It has been a privilege to serve under Alistair’s leadership over the past decade and I appreciate his encouragement of my career development,” says Lala.
“Alistair’s focus on people, culture and sustainability is well-embedded in the company and leadership team. I intend to carry on with that core focus, while advocating for an even better use of data and digital assets to get closer to our customers, particularly in these challenging and competitive times.
Davis describes Lala as a qualified leader who thrives on challenges and has the energy and vision to inspire and lead the company forward.
“In Neeraj, Toyota has a well-prepared leader to take the company forward in the post-Covid-19 economy,” adds Davis, pictured below with Lala. “He is an advocate for new ideas when it comes to how carmakers market and sell their products in the 21st century.”
Lala joined Toyota NZ as an internet development co-ordinator in 1998 with a bachelor of commerce from Victoria University. Over the years, he has worked in most areas of the business, such as marketing, new vehicles, product planning, IT and used vehicles.
In 2014, he completed an executive master of business administration (MBA), finishing top in his class with distinction from Massey University.
Since returning in 2018 from the US after a three-year executive leadership programme with Toyota Motor Sales, Lala has been instrumental in driving transformational change at Toyota.
Born and bred in Wellington, he attended Wellington College, Otago and Victoria universities. He is married with three children, one of whom is a fledgling go-kart racer.
Lala is passionate about cars – he drives a 2020 Toyota GR Supra – and technology. Coincidentally, his interests mirror those of Akio Toyoda, president of TMC, who is also a vehicle enthusiast and is eager to develop further the interface between mobility and digital technology.
