SUZUKI UK boss Dale Wyatt, who criticised the move to an agency model by rival firms in Britain and beyond, has announced his retirement after 17 years with the brand.

Mr Wyatt received international attention when he said the agency retail model was “a work in progress” and that car-makers “were burning their boats” by ignoring what dealers contributed to OEM profits and the customer experience.

“I think some manufacturers underestimate the value that the dealer brings. They see the dealer as almost a supplier, a service provider, or a subcontractor rather than a partner,” he said in 2023.

From left: David Kateley and Dale Wyatt

His comments preceded a backstep by some major car-makers which were poised to introduce the agency retail model in markets including Australia.

Mr Wyatt, Suzuki UK’s director of automotive, made the decision to take early retirement from the company effective March 2025.

He said it was the right time to step down from his role to further concentrate on his health and wellbeing and to pursue his passions.

It will also enable him to consider potential future business interests advising within the automotive industry.

Suzuki GB managing director Takanori Suzuki said: “Dale Wyatt has been hugely instrumental in leading our brands progress and success in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

“To say he has made an outstanding contribution to the company during this time is a major understatement and on behalf of Suzuki I would like to sincerely thank him.

“From next March, Dale will be very much missed by our employees, dealer network, customers as well as the automotive media.”

Mr Wyatt will continue to direct the automobile division until January when Suzuki welcomes his successor, David Kateley, who has been with the brand for 20 years.

Mr Wyatt said: “It is never easy to step back from a job and company that you love. I have had a wonderful career at Suzuki, and I will be enthusiastically leading the automobile division until the end of this year.

“I am extremely proud of the Suzuki UK and Ireland automobile business that I have had the privilege of leading.

“As a united team we have consistently delivered on our commercial goals whilst remaining a human first company that serves the needs of its employees, dealers and customers.”