Holden New Zealand managing director Kristian Aquilina has been called home to take over the brand’s Australian marketing efforts.
The brand is reeling across the Tasman after March sales results that were the worst it has experienced since it began selling cars in 1948.
Sales of both the new Commodore and the Equinox SUV were disappointingly low.
Holden Australia has confirmed its executive director of marketing Mark Harland has left the company with immediate effect. He was relatively new to the role, being appointed in November 2016.
“Mark has brought a fresh perspective to Holden during a difficult period of transition. We thank him for his passion and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Holden managing director Mark Bernhard said in a statement.
The ‘For sure’ launch campaign for the Commodore has failed to fire for the brand, while the national motoring editor for News.com.au questioned why Australia did not get the ‘Here to stay’ campaign run in New Zealand.
AutoTalk had been led to believe Aquilina was heading to Australia to help out on a part-time basis. Since then, his move appears to have become more significant.
He is expected to continue to hold his New Zealand role – which also covers the Isuzu truck brand – until a suitable replacement can be found.
Holden NZ spokesperson Edward Finn insists that for now Aquilina will retain the position.
“I must stress for now he is maintaining his role as managing director of Holden New Zealand,” Finn says.
Aquilina was appointed New Zealand managing director in January 2015. He started his career with GM Holden (Australia) in 1997, working in corporate affairs.
In 2003 he was appointed the sales manager for Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. In 2005 he became the national manager for government relations and public policy, and in 2007 moved into a role as export sales manager, working with the Pontiac in the US and Buick brand China.
In 2008 he was appointed marketing manager for large cars, SUVs and LCVs before becoming Holden’s zone manager for Victoria and Tasmania in 2013.
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