Buttner out at Holden

GM Holden chairman and managing director David Buttner has stepped down from his role after just 16 months.

The former Toyota Australia boss has overseen a period that has seen a sales slump for the former market leader.

The leader of GM Holden’s commercial operations, Kristian Aquilina, has been appointed interim chairman and managing director.

“With critical groundwork underway, the company will implement an orderly leadership succession,” says senior vice president, GM International Operations, Julian Blissett.

Aquilina has previously served as managing director of Holden New Zealand from 2015 to mid-2018, before returning to Australia to lead marketing. Earlier this year he was promoted to executive director sales, marketing and aftersales.

“With more than 22 years in the company, he has the experience, the leadership qualities and the deep understanding of the business and the market to lead GM Holden at this important time,” Blissett says.

Blissett thanked Buttner for his leadership of GM Holden.

“Dave’s experience and professionalism have been significant assets for Holden since his appointment in 2018,” says Blissett. “Not only has he led critical work, he has developed a highly credentialled leadership team, enabling an orderly transition.”

Buttner paid tribute to his team and dealer partners for the work undertaken to transition Holden to an SUV and ute brand.

“Holden’s focus remains on getting onto the consideration list for SUV and LCV buyers in Australia and New Zealand,” says Buttner.

“We have made significant progress in getting the fundamentals right. Now is the right time for me to depart the business, with a strong team in place, to be led by Kristian.”

Aquilina says the business priorities led by Buttner would remain his key focus.

“Under Dave’s leadership, we have laid out clear priorities for the business. While much progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to do,” says Aquilina.

“My focus is on providing continuity around the execution of our plans, ensuring the team at Holden, including dealers and partners, continue to focus on our customers.”