Isuzu has announced its long serving advertising manager, Jeff Birdseye, will retire after a 43 year career on 1 November.
The retirment marks the close of a 43-year career, which began in 1976 when Jeff Birdseye joined General Motors Holden (GMH), the organisation that first introduced Isuzu trucks to Australia. During his 20-years at GMH, he held several sales and marketing roles.
Isuzu General Motors, the company that went on to become Isuzu Australia, was formed in 1989, and Jeff joined I-GM in 1996 as the national light commercial vehicles manager. Two years later, he was promoted to marketing manager, a senior position he held throught the formation of IAL in 2006 and until a switch to the position of advertising manager at IAL in 2015.
In his time with Isuzu, Jeff Birdseye has been instrumental in the development and execution of key marketing and advertising campaigns for the company. These well-targeted campaigns not only delivered in terms of positive customer and brand impact, but also held the distinction of having the right balance of witty repartee and down-to-business grit.
“Jeff’s work history with our organisation is remarkable, both in its tenure and his impact on our business,” IAL director and chief operating officer Andrew Harbison said.
“Jeff has been responsible for some of the most memorable marketing campaigns in the brand’s history, and his passion for the Isuzu brand is indisputable.”
“Jeff has headed some of the most memorable Isuzu marketing and advertising campaigns, with well-targeted, creative campaigns that hit the mark in terms of resonating with customers and the industry, as well as keeping the competition on their toes.”
“In his time at Isuzu, Jeff has seen this work make a key contribution to the unrivalled three decades of Australian truck market leadership enjoyed by the brand.
“We speak a lot about the milestone of 30 years of Australian truck market leadership; and the marketing nous and communications savviness of Jeff has played an integral role in that achievement,” said Andrew Harbisson.
“Jeff has guided us through some challenging times and has always held firm to our core principles,” Mr Harbison said of Mr Birdseye’s impact.
“His presence, wit and wry smile will be sorely missed, and we thank him and his family for their dedication, hard work and infectious passion for Isuzu Trucks,” Mr Harbison said.
“We wish him all the very best as he enters this next rewarding chapter of his life.”
“Drawing a long 43-year career to a close, Jeff has seen the rise of the Isuzu brand in the Australian truck market,” he added.
Jeff Birdseye said that it’s particularly pleasing to know that as he move into the next phase in my life, Isuzu is well placed to succeed into the future with a very capable leadership team in place.
“Isuzu has been a great employer, with a real culture driving people to succeed, and I’ve met a lot of great people along the way who have helped shape my experience,” said Jeff.
“It’s sad to be leaving, but it’s time to stop and smell the roses after 43 years of continuous employment.”
Jeff Birdseye is a towering figure in the Australian truck industry and will be sorely missed from his role at Isuzu where he has been a constant for so long at Truck and Bus News wishes him all the best in his retirement.
