GWM Australia and New Zealand has announced that John Kett will become the Chinese importer’s chief operating officer, commencing duties on February 3.
Mr Kett, who replaces Hidesuke Takesue after seven years, brings 35 years of industry experience to the role, including most recently from Hyundai Australia where he served as COO for five-and-a-half years.
Before his time at HMCA, Mr Kett held roles across Australia, China, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Indonesia with brands including Chrysler, Holden, Fiat, SAIC, and SsangYong.
He spent nearly seven years with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Shanghai (2009-15) including senior roles such as vice president, general manager of operations APAC, head of the Jeep brand, and chief financial officer APAC.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining GWM, a brand driven by a very talented workforce, partnered with a very focused and engaged dealer network, and enabled by an ever-evolving portfolio and technology offering,” said Mr Kett.
“The sheer weight of numbers behind GWM certainly positions the brand very well at a time customers are most discerning. Redefining and building confidence around the core values that differentiate the GWM brand is key.”
GWM Australia and New Zealand managing director Charles Zhao added: “We are delighted to have someone with John’s broad industry and cross-cultural experience join the team in this important senior leadership role”
“At the same time, I would like to thank Take-San for his leadership over the last seven years and for helping build the GWM business to what it is today and wish him the very best in his retirement.
“We now look to John to lead the local team in working towards further growth in brand value and sales volume in 2025 and beyond.”
By Neil Dowling