Subaru NZ boss stepping down
Wallis Dumper is leaving his position as managing director of Inchcape New Zealand and Subaru of New Zealand this week, ending a 24-year association with the business.
He has been the managing director of Subaru of NZ since 2010, after previously leading the company between 1996 and 2006.
His role was rejigged in July last year to include heading up Inchcape New Zealand after the company entered retail operations in this country and became an importer and distributor of vehicles for LDV and SsangYong, which is now known as KGM.
Dumper, pictured, says: “After more than two decades in senior leadership positions within the business, and while contemplating the possibility of retirement in the future, I have made the decision that now is the opportune moment to step aside and accept a voluntary redundancy.
“It’s time to pass the torch to new leadership as they pave the way for the next exciting chapter.”
His departure from Inchcape will be effective from Friday, March 15.
New faces
With Dumper leaving, Kym Mellow has been appointed general manager of Inchcape NZ and will be responsible for the overall business performance of the New Zealand operations.
Meanwhile, Tim Barns-Lawton has been appointed general manager for Subaru of NZ and both executives will take up their new roles from Monday, March 18.
Mellow, pictured below, joined Inchcape in 2023 as franchise director for bravoauto in Australia and has supported the group’s broader retail operations as head of sales in Melbourne.
He has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, including 17 years at Mazda Australia where he was a member of the executive team for most of that time.
His various roles included national manager – customer support, vehicle operations and ultimate customer experience, state manager for Victoria and dealer business manager for South Australia and Tasmania.
“I am honoured and excited to lead a passionate and dedicated team of people, representing the Subaru, KGM and LDV brands, as we accelerate our growth in the New Zealand market and continue to deliver an exceptional customer experience, with the support of our valued partners across the retail network,” says Mellow.
Inchcape notes Penny Thorne, national sales manager KGM New Zealand, and Geoff Phillips, national sales manager LDV New Zealand, retain responsibility for managing sales and operations teams and supporting dealer networks for those respective brands.
