After 24 years with the business, Wallis Dumper, Managing Director of Inchcape New Zealand and Subaru of New Zealand, will depart Inchcape, effective Friday, 15 March.
In July 2023, Wallis was appointed to the role of Managing Director, Inchcape New Zealand and Subaru of New Zealand, assuming responsibility for the market’s expanded operations following Inchcape’s entrance into retail and appointment as the importer and distributor of LDV and SsangYong vehicles in the New Zealand market. Prior to this, Mr. Dumper held the position of Managing Director, Subaru of New Zealand since 2010, having previously been the business leader between 1996 and 2006.
On his upcoming departure, Dumper said: “After more than two decades in senior leadership positions within the business, and while contemplating the possibility of retirement in the future, I have made the decision that now is the opportune moment to step aside and accept a voluntary redundancy. It’s time to pass the torch to new leadership as they pave the way for the next exciting chapter.”
Following Mr Dumper’s departure, Inchcape is pleased to announce the appointment of Kym Mellow, General Manager of Inchcape New Zealand, effective Monday, 18 March. Providing the leadership and guidance to continue bringing Inchcape’s strategy to life in the local market, Mr Mellow will assume responsibility for the overall business performance of the New Zealand operations.
Mr Mellow joined Inchcape in 2023 as Bravoauto Franchise Director and has supported Inchcape’s broader retail operations as Head of Sales in Melbourne. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mr Mellow commenced his career as a Graduate, enabling him to build a strong foundation and holistic understanding of the retail environment. Continuing his career, Mr Mellow spent 17 years at Mazda Australia, including as a member of the Executive team for over 13 years. His various roles included National Manager – Customer Support, Vehicle Operations and Ultimate Customer Experience, State Manager (Victoria), and Dealer Business Manager for South Australia and Tasmania.
On his appointment, Mellow said: “I am honoured and excited to lead a passionate and dedicated team of people, representing the Subaru, KGM and LDV brands, as we accelerate our growth in the New Zealand market and continue to deliver an exceptional customer experience, with the support of our valued partners across the retail network.”
To lead the Subaru of New Zealand business, Tim Barns-Lawton has been appointed General Manager Subaru of New Zealand, effective Monday, 18 March. Reporting to Mellow, Barns-Lawton will assume responsibility for the brand’s overall business performance in the local market, including supporting the national retailer network.
Reporting to Mellow, Penny Thorne, National Sales Manager KGM New Zealand, and Geoff Phillips, National Sales Manager LDV New Zealand, both retain their responsibility for overseeing the strategic management of the sales and operations teams and supporting the peak performance of the national dealer network for their respective brands.
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