He was previously the managing director of Isuzu Motors Asia Ltd, based in Singapore.

Mr Shindo replaces Ms Hiroko Yaguchi, who returns to Japan after three years and nine months as managing director and CEO.

He has a 35-year career at Isuzu Motors Limited Japan (IML) and has worked across corporate, operational, sales and retail roles in Japan, North America, Africa and several growing South East Asian markets.

He joins IAL during a time of consolidated domestic growth and rapid industry change.

IAL director and COO Andrew Harbison extended a warm welcome to the latest member of IAL’s Australian directorate.

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome Shindo-san to Australia and the role of managing director and CEO at IAL. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on the great work between our Australian and Japanese operations,” he said.

“IAL has big plans for the future, especially in relation to our ability to adapt to rapidly evolving domestic and international industry change.

“Shindo-san’s formidable track record at our parent company in Japan, especially in the product development and planning space, and his tenure across the breadth of Isuzu’s global markets, fills us with great confidence.”

Mr Harbison also took the opportunity to extend a sincere thanks to Ms Yaguchi.

“Despite the great news (of Mr Shino’s appointment), it is a bittersweet moment for our business as we bid farewell to Yaguchi-san, who is returning to Japan after an extended four-year assignment here in Australia,” he said.

“Her strength, resilience and business intelligence during that time and indeed throughout an unprecedented 2020 won’t long be forgotten.

“We wish her every success in her future endeavours within Isuzu Motors Japan.”

By Neil Dowling