Farewell: Former Holden executive Peter Thomas, who died suddenly on Saturday.

A CHAMPION of the Australian motor industry, Peter Thomas, was mourned at a memorial service in Melbourne today.

The one-time managing director of Holden Engine Company and GM Holden executive director of planning and external affairs, died suddenly last Saturday, aged 67.

St Dominic’s Church in Camberwell was packed for Friday’s memorial service. Mourners representing Mr Thomas’ many interests – from his career at Holden to golf and family – crowded into the church to hear eulogies from his partner Kaye and Australian Industry Group CEO Heather Ridout.

Best remembered as the man who guided the expansion of Holden four-cylinder engine exports into a global enterprise, growing to become Australia’s largest exporter of manufactured goods, Mr Thomas dedicated his later years to sharing his management expertise with a wide range of organisations, from tertiary colleges to superannuation funds.

He carried his commitment to vocational education and trades-based training into “retirement”, serving on advisory committees and boards for organisation such as the Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Commission, Kangan TAFE, Chisholm College and RMIT University.

And he was not just committed to the motor industry but industry in general, becoming inaugural chair of the Victorian Manufacturing Industry Consultative Council and a director of Melbourne Port Corporation.

He was also a founding trustee of one of Australia’s most successful industry superannuation funds, AustralianSuper.

He was awarded an AM in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2002.

Peter Gethyn Thomas started his career with Holden as a supply cadet at the age of 18 in 1959.

Showing a keen interest in manufacturing, he spent three years learning the functions of the supply chain.

Recognising Thomas’ leadership potential, Holden funded his Batchelor of Commerce at Melbourne University before sending him to the US on the GM overseas scholarship program in 1968.

After a stint in New Zealand as Holden supply director, he became manufacturing manager of mechanical operations back in Melbourne, in charge of making engines, castings and components.

When Holden signed a joint venture with Toyota, the engine plant was spun off into an independent unit – Holden Engine Company (HEC) – and Mr Thomas was appointed its managing director.

With operations covering engine manufacture, component manufacture and technical consultancy, HEC established itself as a front-rank exporter of manufactured goods, shipping four-cylinder engines and components to an international clientele and generating $1.4 million in export dollars every working day.

During this period, Mr Thomas and his team developed an operating philosophy based on values of continuous improvement, employee involvement, visible management, training as an investment and global orientation.

In 1996 GM’s operations changed with the end of the Toyota joint venture, and a consequent re-amalgamation of the Australian operations. Thomas became the Executive Director of Planning and External Affairs, a position he held until his retirement in 2000.

His impact on Australian manufacturing, skills training and industry was reflected in the many tributes from organisations and individuals published in Melbourne newspapers this week.

One company, in its death notice, described Mr Thomas as “the director’s director”.

GM Holden said in its tribute: “A man of kindness, vision and integrity, Peter’s contribution to GM Holden over 40 years was immense, having served as managing director of the Holden Engine Company and later, executive director of planning and external affairs.

“Among his many achievements he led the company to engine export success, giving GM Holden the chance to compete on the world stage. Peter’s legacy today is stronger than ever.

“GM Holden and the Australian automotive industry are poorer for his loss.”

Dozens of past and present motor industry executives attended. These included former fellow Holden directors, including Rob McEniry (now president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia), Ian McCleave, Tony Hyde, Allison Terry, John Crennan, Ivan Deveson, John Morrison, Laurie Sparke and Barry Ford.

Former Nissan Australia managing director, Leon Daphne, paid his respects, as did five-time Australian V8 Supercar champion Mark Skaife.

Mr Thomas is survived by partner Kaye, children Andrew, Kristin and Richard and grandchildren.

By Ron Hammerton