Tom Peck, CEO of Suzuki New Zealand, is retiring after working with the company for 38 years.
He joined Suzuki as a motorcycle apprentice at the Colemans group and soon found himself at head office in the role of service manager across motorcycle, marine and automobile divisions.
In 1994 he kicked off a project developing a farm bike to replace the TF185. It would result in Suzuki’s DR200SE Trojan of which the company sold more than 10,000 examples since 1996.
Tom subsequently took on the position of marketing manager, motorcycle department. At a time when New Zealand was being swamped by used Japanese imports, he fought back with new motorcycles at value prices, a strategy that elevated Suzuki to the number one sales position. The brand held that status for over two decades with models like the RF900, which sold for under $10,000.
He never lost his passion for road racing, and took riders like Andrew Stroud to 10 superbike titles for Suzuki. The brand sponsored motocross as well, producing champions like Josh Coppins.
In 2003, Tom took on further marketing responsibilities, developing the local motor vehicle division. Since then, annual sales figures have grown from 1000 to over 8000 units per annum. The Suzuki Swift became a household name, growing the company and its dealerships.
He helped develop the Swift Sport Cup series which proved highly competitive and fostered young driving talent.
In 2011 Tom took on the role of CEO for Suzuki New Zealand and seven years later the marine division rejoined the fold after a 20-year absence. Market share has more than doubled in the time since.
Tom is planning to retire in Australia to be closer to extended family.
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