Subaru Adds Executives

SYDNEY – Aug 27, 2010: Subaru Australia has announced the appointment of two new senior executives.

Andrew Caie will join Subaru Australia in the role of General Manager – Marketing, while Gary Watson has been appointed to the newly created role of General Manager - Aftersales.

Andrew has more than 20 years experience in marketing and sales with brands such as McDonalds, Toyota, DDB and AMP. He was most recently Head of Marketing, Aftersales and Service.

Andrew brings with him broad experience across automotive, retail, property and FMCG and his wealth of knowledge will continue to strengthen the Subaru business in Australia.

He started on August 16.

Gary will be responsible for driving continued performance in Aftersales, which includes both Parts and Technical departments.

Gary rejoins Subaru Australia after four and a half years as Dealer Principal of Subaru Melbourne and has previously worked as National Sales Manager, Subaru Australia.

Prior to joining Subaru Australia Gary was the Director and Owner of Fuel Automotive, which partnered Subaru in a number of retail and after sales initiatives.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said: “We’re thrilled to have Andrew and Gary heading up our Marketing and Aftersales teams. Both have broad experience in the corporate and retail environment and their extensive automotive backgrounds will undoubtedly help strengthen and grow our business.”

Subaru Australia has also announced the retirement of National Customer & Technical Services Manager, Derek Ashby.

Derek has worked with the brand for 33 years and can be credited with driving Subaru’s commitment to safety, in particular our five-star ANCAP occupant safety rating and the fitment of VDC electronic stability control across all models.

A passionate advocate for Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Derek has also led the development of extensive local testing programs for new models and locally developed special editions.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said: “Derek’s wealth of experience and knowledge will be sorely missed. His passion and dedication to the Subaru brand has been instrumental in the success we’ve had over the last decade and his commitment to developing ‘driver’s’ cars is unparalleled.”

Starting as a Regional Service Manager in Queensland and working his way through six positions within Subaru Australia, Derek held the role of National Customer & Technical Services Manager for 16 years.