John Elsworth

ALMOST a year after resigning from his post as chief operating officer at Hyundai Motor Co Australia (HMCA) to spend more time with his family, John Elsworth is “back in the workforce” juggling two new automotive positions.

The positions, which are both part-time, include working with UK-based firm CitNOW (pronounced ‘see it now’) to help it get a foothold in the Australian market with its personalised video presentation services for the auto sector, focusing particularly on dealership sales and service departments.

This can include sending customers a personalised video via email or mobile phone text link that details extra service work required on their vehicle, before the service adviser makes the call to request the work be performed.

Mr Elsworth is also working as a director for deJager Executive Search in Sydney, focusing on the automotive industry.

In an email to GoAuto, Mr Elsworth said the two new roles enabled him to maintain his desired work-life balance and spend plenty of time with the family, which was the reason he stepped down from the key position at Hyundai.

He had spent three years in the specially created COO role at HMCA, joining the South Korean car-maker after 22 years of service with GM Holden.

In an exclusive interview with GoAuto last year at the time of his resignation, Mr Elsworth revealed that he had spent some time contemplating his career and personal priorities, particularly in terms of taking a more hands-on role in bringing up his (then) eight-year-old twins.

“From my perspective, I could just happily keep working in the industry, or really take time out and be a better dad – and that’s what I’ve decided to do with my life,” he said.

“I’m just going to reconnect with my wife and family and I’m going to help the kids grow up.

“I’m getting a bit philosophical but I think the world’s a really troubling place and I just want to help guide my kids through it more than what you can otherwise do when you’re working full-time.”

Since leaving the company, GoAuto understands Mr Elsworth has been helping out at his kids’ school, coaching their soccer team and, as promised, has taken up surfing and successfully completed his first significant family holiday in some 25 years.

By Terry Martin