Penske appoints new NZ boss

Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Kevin Smith as the general manager for its New Zealand arm, effective immediately.

A highly experienced business leader with a significant background in the transport industry, Smith will oversee all branch operations across various industries, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, rail, and more.

“It’s exciting to join an organisation that is passionate about its customers and its services,” said Smith. “Penske has invested heavily in New Zealand in recent years, opening new facilities in Christchurch and Tauranga to complement the existing Auckland branch.

“Along with a stable of innovative and well-proven products and brands, the team at Penske is highly experienced and engaged. These are all vital ingredients for continuing to build a successful business that delivers outstanding customer outcomes.”

Hamish Christie-Johnston, managing director of Penske Australia & New Zealand, welcomed the addition of Smith to the New Zealand operations.

“It’s wonderful to have Kevin join the Penske team, given his extensive leadership and transport industry experience,” he said.

“Kevin is hitting the ground running, meeting with our team across Australia and New Zealand and also meeting with key customers to learn more about their operations and needs.

“While we have an overarching business strategy for ANZ, our New Zealand customers have specific requirements that Kevin keenly understands."

Brian Wilson, the previous general manager of Penske New Zealand, had been in the position since December 2023.