INCHCAPE New Zealand has appointed Kym Mellow as general manager following the departure of Inchcape NZ and Subaru NZ managing director Wallis Dumper, who has accepted voluntary redundancy after serving with the business for 24 years.

Mr Mellow joined Inchcape in 2023 as Bravoauto franchise director and has supported Inchcape’s broader retail operations as head of sales in Melbourne; since January he has also been head of sales in Melbourne for Trivett Retail operations, comprising Subaru Australia, Peugeot Australia, and Citroen Australia.

He has relocated to Auckland for his new role.

Mr Dumper was appointed managing director of Inchcape NZ and Subaru NZ in July 2023, taking control of the market’s expanded operations following Inchcape’s entrance into retail and appointment as the importer and distributor of LDV and SsangYong vehicles in the New Zealand market.

Wallis Dumper

Prior to this, he was managing director of Subaru of New Zealand since 2010, having previously been the business leader between 1996 and 2006.

Mr Dumper said: “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 successor, Mr Mellow, will provide the leadership and guidance to continue bringing Inchcape’s strategy to life in the local market by assuming responsibility for the overall business performance of the New Zealand operations.

Mr Mellow has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry after starting as a graduate.

He spent 17 years at Mazda Australia, including as a member of the executive team for over 13 years. His various roles included national manager of customer support, vehicle operations and ultimate customer experience, state manager (Victoria) and dealer business manager for South Australia and Tasmania.

Mr Mellow said: “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.”

Kym Mellow

“I am looking forward to providing leadership and guidance to continue bringing Inchcape’s strategy to life and assume responsibility for the overall business performance of the New Zealand operations.

“I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge departing managing director Inchcape New Zealand, Wallis Dumper, and pay tribute to his 24 years of dedicated service.

“Wal played a critical role in the growth of the Subaru brand throughout his tenure and with the expansion of Inchcape’s operations, including the entrance into retail and appointment as the importer and distributor of LDV New Zealand and SsangYong Motor Company vehicles in the New Zealand market.”

To lead the Subaru of New Zealand business, Inchcape has appointed Tim Barns-Lawton as general manager Subaru of New Zealand reporting to Mr Mellow and having responsibility for the brand’s overall business performance in the local market, including supporting the national retailer network.

Reporting to Mr Mellow is also Penny Thorne, national sales manager KGM New Zealand and Geoff Phillips, national sales manager LDV New Zealand.

Both retain their responsibility for overseeing the strategic management of the sales and operations teams and supporting the peak performance of the national dealer network for their respective brands.