IVECO has appointed Jason Keddie to the position of dealer principal – New Zealand, effective 1 October. Keddie who recently relocated to New Zealand from Australia with his family, takes over the role from interim dealer principal, Daryl Thornton.

Prior to taking on this position, where he will be responsible for retail dealership and wholesale operations, Keddie was IVECO product support manager for Australia and New Zealand, a role he held for more than six years. Before that, he held senior consulting positions in the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors as well as OEM regional management and retail operations roles.

IVECO Australia and New Zealand business director Bruce Healy said Keddie was an ideal candidate to head up New Zealand operations.

“With his considerable commercial vehicle and general business and sales experience, Jason is well qualified to represent IVECO and to continue the brand‘s growth in New Zealand,” he said.

“As well as having relevant industry background, Jason is extremely familiar with the IVECO model range courtesy of his time as product support manager, so can strongly relate to the fleet maintenance and management challenges affecting commercial vehicle operators.”

Keddie said he looked forward to the challenges and opportunities the new role would bring.

“IVECO is one of New Zealand‘s fastest-growing commercial vehicle brands and I‘m committed to continuing this upward growth trajectory during my tenure as dealer principal,” he said.

“The brand is well represented in New Zealand by a fantastic selection of models that are becoming increasingly popular with buyers, and with our new headquarters, dealership and parts warehouse facility opening soon in Auckland, we‘ll be able to provide customers with even higher levels of service and support.

“There are exciting times ahead for IVECO New Zealand, and I‘m delighted to play my part.”