Sudden move: Hiroko Yaguchi will take the reins as IAL managing director and CEO after “unforeseen circumstances” forced Hiroshi Nishizaka to step down after less than a year in the job.

ISUZU Australia Limited (IAL) managing director and CEO Hiroshi Nishizaka has stepped down from his post after less than a year in the role.

The company said in a statement released this week that “unforeseen circumstances” had arisen concerning Mr Nishizaka, who is in Japan and will not be returning to Australia.

As a result, IAL has named Hiroko Yaguchi, currently general manager of Isuzu Motors’ International Sales Department (Number 4), as the incoming head of the Australian subsidiary.

IAL director and chief operating officer Phil Taylor said he expected Mr Nishizaka would now be reassigned to another role at Isuzu Motors in Japan, while Ms Yaguchi’s current role makes her familiar with the Australian operations and “well qualified to fill the position of managing director and CEO”.

“Many of our dealers had the opportunity to meet her recently at the national dealer meeting held earlier this year in Sydney, where she was a guest and presenter on behalf of Isuzu Motors,” Mr Taylor said.

Hiroshi Nishizaka

“The final changeover date is yet to be determined, however we anticipate it will be made effective sometime during May or June, to permit an orderly transition for Yaguchi-san into the new role.

“We wish Nishizaka-san well for the future, and extend a warm welcome to Yaguchi-san.”

Mr Taylor said he was hopeful Ms Yaguchi would be in Australia for the Brisbane truck show which opens on May 25.

With more than three decades’ experience with Isuzu Motors, Mr Nishizaka joined IAL in June last year, replacing Koichi (‘Mike’) Yoda who had returned to Japan after four years at the helm of the market-leading commercial vehicle brand.

As previously reported, Mr Nishizaka has held a variety of senior positions in key markets including Japan, North America and, prior to the Australian posting, South Africa, where he served for four years as Isuzu Truck South Africa CEO.

By Terry Martin