The news that everyone in the industry was expecting broke today with the announcement that long time Isuzu Australia boss, Phil Taylor will retire after steering the company to its 30th straight year of market leadership and a mammoth record sales year exceeding 10000 trucks for the year.
The announcement says that Phil Taylor, will retire from his current role at the the company as chairman and CEO, effective from the 28th February .
Phil Taylor’s journey with IAL began in Queensland in the early 1990s in fleet and retail sales roles and worked to grow the breadth and reach of Isuzu’s Queensland dealer network.
Taylor eventually made the move to a national position at Isuzu’s then Port Melbourne head office 18 years ago.
Taylor has logged an eminent career spanning 28 years at IAL with the statement citing his vision for improved performance combined with a passion for great product which has seen Isuzu’s “unshakeable position as the top-selling truck brand in Australia – making him one of the most successful and formidable leaders in a hyper-competitive industry”.
His guidance has always been complemented by an efficient leadership team in Melbourne, steering IAL through many triumphs and milestones. Most recently, this includes IAL’s domination as national truck market leader for 30 consecutive years.
“Every successful business is only as good as the people behind it. The position IAL finds itself in now is the result of many incredible minds, whose commitment to the company’s vision is the reason for our long-term success,” said Phil Taylor.
“I leave this industry at a time of great change. Technology is set to dominate the automotive industry in ways we never thought possible and I am comfortable that IAL has the firm plans in place to capitalise on the anticipated change it will bring. For mine, it’s teamwork that will remain a key factor in continuing to strengthen IAL into the future,” he added.
“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some amazing colleagues, friends and also some tough foes in my time. It’s been a hell of ride, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.”
IAL’s Managing Director, Ms Hiroko Yaguchi, regarded Mr Taylor’s leadership as one that has bolstered IAL’s presence both locally and on the world stage.
“Phil’s tenure with IAL can quite rightly be described as world-class. He’s helped to elevate the brand in Australia into an operation the rest of the Isuzu world looks to for best practice on a number of fronts,” she said.
“Phil’s ability to read the market, its people and customers is nothing short of extraordinary. He leaves behind an exemplary record and legacy. He’ll be sorely missed.”
Phil’s departure comes amidst a number of recent milestones for IAL, with its national operations consolidated at a new purpose-built facility last year and sales and market leadership records being smashed at the conclusion of 2018.
One of the great characters in he industry and an accomplished seller of trucks, he will be missed, but he is sure to keep himself active in his beloved Queensland during his retirement. Well done Phil!
