Quarter of century with firm
The chief executive officer of Toyota NZ has attributed its strong internal, people and customer-first culture as the major factor contributing to its success.
Neeraj Lala celebrates 25 years with the company this month and believes his long-term service, and that of many other staff members, is a direct result of its supportive and nurturing approach to its employees and the belief they are the most valuable asset to the firm’s achievements.
Lala started as a marketing graduate fresh from his degree at the Victoria University of Wellington and was offered career development opportunities throughout the company, including frequent changes in responsibilities, completing an MBA with full support from Toyota NZ and a three-year stint with Toyota USA before taking on the top job here.
In the age of the “great resignation”, he observes that finding the right employer and sector keeps you learning, maturing and challenging yourself throughout your career.
“When I first began my journey with Toyota, I was excited to be working for a company focused on making a traditional Japanese car company into a genuine, most loved and admired New Zealand company. This was the initial catalyst that drew me into it as I wanted to continue that legacy.
“Along with the marketing focus, I would be lying if I wasn’t more excited about the legendary ’90s sports cars Toyota had introduced. The 2JZ Supra, ST205 Celica GT4 and SW20 MR2 GT-S were all on the aspiration list to own one day.
“Twenty-five years on and I’m even more excited about the low-emissions powertrains we offer, along with our stable of GR and Lexus sports cars. As an industry, we’re at the intersection of retaining the passion of enthusiasts and transitioning to a more sustainable future.
“Moving our business from a car company to a mobility company is a great honour, along with committing to our sustainability objectives and championing women in leadership.
“My family is my motivation, and it’s a privilege to serve this company and our customers along this journey ahead. Our commitment to people through professional development – and the pathway for those who wish to set personal development goals and seek new opportunities – is the perfect catalyst to start the adventure that lies ahead.
“I’ve seen many people change jobs every few years for them to progress. My advice has always been to consider the longer-term objective and to develop a plan that will enhance your skills and experience as I believe it takes a substantial amount of time to build momentum in new jobs and fully understand a new company or industry.”
Lala contends there probably aren’t too many other CEOs out there who have been with their company since leaving university, and just a few other major New Zealand companies, such as Mainfreight, that openly celebrate and encourage long service.
“The common denominator is a loyal, people-focused business with an emphasis on developing staff right across their careers.
“In both our national customer centre in Palmerston North and throughout the privately owned Toyota Store network, we celebrate and reward long service and contribution. I view my tenure with Toyota NZ as a badge of honour.”
Being part of Toyota Motor Corporation means being part of a “unique culture – a culture that is a mix of the Toyota Way, which has been evolving for decades, the Japanese business culture, and the grassroots culture of the Manawatu”, where Toyota NZ is based”.
Lala adds: “Textbooks have been written about the Toyota Way and its 14 principles, which include continuous improvement and respect for people. These are the foundational platform of how the company operates in New Zealand and underpin why so many people choose to stay with us.”
Being headquartered in Palmerston North also sees lower commuting times and a strengthened work-life balance, which contributed to job satisfaction and low turnover.
“We are proud to be an important and significant partner in the Manawatu economy and community. Our people have strong roots in the region and enjoy lifestyles those in many other companies can only dream of. There’s a lot to be said for the importance of community in creating a successful business.”
Toyota NZ spends a lot of resources and time on training its people, and across every level of the business, to support them to succeed. His own tenure, he highlights, has had a significant upside for the company in providing leadership stability.
“The past 12 months haven’t been easy for Toyota and our team. While our revenues are satisfactory, and we maintained our number-one market leadership in New Zealand for the 35th consecutive year, it was not without its challenges as unprecedented disruption has plagued our business across almost every area.
“Ongoing delivery delays have tested the patience of our most loyal customers and store network. I’m extremely grateful to our strong and stable executive leadership, but more importantly every to staff member across the country for responding to the challenge and attempting to manage the chaos.”
As Toyota NZ navigates the challenges of sustainability, redefined mobility for all, new technologies and a raft of new competitors, Lala says he’s committed to lead the business through it all.
The company’s goal is to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050 while maintaining mobility for all. Including lifetime emissions of a vehicle, he says, it is about accountability regarding climate change across its local value chain.
“We’re all in this together. Our responsibility as a Kiwi brand and market leader is to reduce not only our own emissions, but also help our supply and value chains, and customers to make a positive contribution.”
Lala says he’s also proud to serve on the Sustainable Business Council’s advisory board, continuing a tradition set by his predecessors, as well as being part of the steering committee for the Climate Leaders’ Coalition, a member of Champions For Change – Global Women, and on the boards of Kinto NZ and Toyota Financial Services, and an executive of Toyota Motor Corporation Australia.
He is also on the board of Manawatu Rugby Union and KartSport Manawatu. “A commitment to the company is also a commitment to the local knowledge, economy and to New Zealand.”
