Penske New Zealand has announced the appointment of a new general manager with Brian Wilson, taking not he role as general manager of the overall Penske New Zealand business, effective immediately.
Brian Wilson joined Penske New Zealand in early 2023 as general manager of operations, and the company says his expanded role will have him overseeing all New Zealand branch operations as well as leading its Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck and Bus, and Dennis Eagle truck sales business.
Penske New Zealand has in recent years opened brand-new facilities in Christchurch and Tauranga, and it says the business is seeing solid success, particularly in energy solutions, rail, marine, on-highway, and parts and service. The company says this will be further boosted as the new MAN truck generation supply into the country ramps up and as will the new Western Star X-Series arrives.
“After almost a year of overseeing the New Zealand operations, I am excited to expand my area of responsibility as general manager for Penke New Zealand overall,” said Brian Wilson.
“Our national team of on- and off-highway experts across our branch network are focused on delivering bespoke and innovative solutions to customers.
“From the new MAN truck generation and the pending Western Star X-Series – for which we are already taking orders – to the energy solutions, defence, mining, rail, marine, agricultural, construction, and oil and gas markets, our pipeline is very healthy.”
Hamish Christie-Johnston, managing director of Penske Australia and New Zealand, said that Brian’s strong leadership had positively impacted the New Zealand operations.
“A seasoned leader, Brian’s stamp on the New Zealand business over the last several months has been noticeable,” said Christie-Johnston.
“He has a great understanding of our branch operations locally and the broader business in Australia, enabling him to drive our strategic priorities, ultimately improving the customer experience.
“Brian will also be focused on attracting and developing local staff as we continue to grow the overall Penske business on both sides of the Tasman.
“On behalf of the business, I’d like to thank Brent Warner, previously the New Zealand country manager, for over a decade of service to Penske and wish him well in his new endeavour.”
