New chairman for VIA

Frank Willett, chief executive of Autohub NZ, has been made interim chairman of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) following the resignation of Chris Stephenson.

The announcement was made in an email alert to members on May 11 after Stephenson had told a VIA board meeting earlier that day of his decision to quit.

The chief executive of Enterprise Motor Group advised board members he currently has a full workload with professional and personal commitments and felt he was no longer able to commit the time to the role.

Willett, pictured, was elected by the board to take over the chairman’s position through to VIA’s AGM this year, when a refreshed board will decide on the appointment moving forward.

“The board, VIA staff and the membership express their thanks and gratitude for Chris’ time, efforts and stewardship during the last two-and-half years,” says the alert. 

“Chris’ leadership was instrumental in getting the VIA restructure through the change period and overseeing its bedding in.”

Stephenson was an inaugural member of the board of directors following a revamp of the organisation in August 2020. He was voted in as chairman the following month.

The other board members were Sean Stevens, then chief executive officer of VINZ and now membership services manager at the Motor Trade Association, Ken Quigley, managing director of Jacanna Customs & Freight, and Matt Battle, general manager at Moana Blue.

Willett and Robert Young, director of Nichibo Japan Trading, were appointed to the board in September 2022 following the departure of Stevens.