Isuzu chief to retire

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has today announced that Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Phil Taylor, will be retiring from the company, effective February 28, 2019.

Mr Taylor began with IAL in Queensland in the early '90s, during which time he took on several roles in fleet and retail sales and worked to grow the breadth and reach of Isuzu's Queensland dealer network.

Mr Taylor eventually made the move to a national position based at Isuzu's Port Melbourne head office 18 years ago.

Over a glowing career of 28 years, Mr Taylor's expertise has seen Isuzu remain as Australia's top-selling truck brand – in fact 2019 marks the firm's 30th consecutive year of sales domination, which is no mean feat in one of the world's most competitive and demanding truck markets.

Mr Taylor said his success was his team's success.

"Every successful business is only as good as the people behind it," he said.

"The position IAL finds itself in now is the result of many incredible minds, whose commitment to the company's vision is the reason for our long-term success.

"I leave this industry at a time of great change. Technology is set to dominate the automotive industry in ways we never thought possible and I am comfortable that IAL has firm plans in place to capitalise on the anticipated change it will bring. For mine, it's teamwork that will remain a key factor in continuing to strengthen IAL into the future.

"I've been fortunate to work alongside some amazing colleagues, friends and also some tough foes in my time. It's been a hell of ride, and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity."

IAL's Managing Director, Ms Hiroko Yaguchi, regarded Mr Taylor's leadership as one that has bolstered IAL's presence both locally and on the world stage.

"Phil's tenure with IAL can quite rightly be described as world-class," she said.

"He's helped to elevate the brand in Australia into an operation the rest of the Isuzu world looks to for best practice on a number of fronts.

"Phil's ability to read the market, its people and customers is nothing short of extraordinary. He leaves behind an exemplary record and legacy. He'll be sorely missed."

Mr Taylor's departure comes amidst a number of recent milestones for IAL, with its national operations consolidated at a new purpose-built facility last year and sales and market leadership records being smashed at the conclusion of 2018.