Toyota boss lands sustainability role
Neeraj Lala has become the third consecutive Toyota New Zealand chief executive officer to be appointed to the Sustainable Business Council’s (SBC) advisory board.
He will take up the post this month and become one of 12 business leaders elected by council members to govern the work of the SBC.
His appointment continues a tradition set by Alistair Davis and Bob Field, his predecessors at Toyota. Field was also part of the initial group that set up the SBC.
Lala says collective action by businesses is critical to accelerating New Zealand’s transition to a net zero carbon future.
“We’re used to operating in our transport industry silo but with the electrification of our light vehicle fleet we have found that we need to feed into other sector decisions such as the national energy strategy,” he adds.
“The SBC board makes sure we’ve got a seat at the table to inform decisions that will impact future infrastructure investment.
“But equally we need to take people with us and ensure a fair, equitable, and inclusive transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient economy.”
Mike Burrell, SBC’s executive director, says it is pleased to welcome Lala onto the advisory board and continue its longstanding connection with Toyota.
“Alongside our five other newly elected board members, Neeraj’s experience and insights from the automotive industry, as well as his personal passion for sustainability will have a significant impact at this important time as we transition towards a low-emissions future.”
