December 7, 2005
Chris Rickards is new Subaru NZ General Manager
Chris Rickards has been appointed the new General Manager of Subaru of New Zealand.
Mr. Rickards, who is currently the company's After Sales Manager, will formally take up the role on 1 February 2006
after the current General Manager, Wallis Dumper, leaves the company.
Joining Subaru of NZ in 2002, Mr. Rickards was initially responsible for Dealer Network Business Development and Sales
Support. He has been the After Sales Manager - responsible for the Parts, Accessories, Logistics and the Service side of
the business - which has achieved record results, for the last two years.
"Naturally I would like to build on Subaru's successful business platform to take the company forward," said Mr.
Rickards. "Continuing the growth of the brand with our exciting product line up and effective business systems is a
great challenge that I am thrilled to accept”
"Subaru has established itself as a premium brand not only through its model range but also because of the commitment
and cultural strength displayed by Subaru of New Zealand staff and our Dealer Network. I am looking forwarding to
maintaining and building on our strong relations with our Dealer Team and the Automotive Industry."
Before joining Subaru, 34 years old Mr. Rickards had a total of six years in sales positions with Moore Business Forms
and Systems and Walker Data Division where he specialised in ID technology.
After completing his degree in economics at Auckland University, he spent two years in Japan on a university graduate
exchange programme - JET - teaching English and coaching soccer and tennis. He returned to University later to complete
Post Graduate Studies in Business Administration.
Mr. Rickards said Subaru NZ's fundamental business practices would not change in the future.
"Our unique Subaru culture will continue, with support from our major partners, Subaru Australia, Inchcape Motors and
Fuji Heavy Industries (the manufacturer of Subaru cars in Japan)."
"Our brand, the business and Dealer Team is in a strong position to move forward on the next phase of Subaru's
development," said Mr. Rickards.
In his leisure time, Mr. Rickards enjoys multi-sport events, putting to good use the practicality of Subaru's life style
vehicles, the Outback and Forester.
Since joining the company he has become an enthusiastic rally fan, enjoying Subaru's involvement in the sport at both a
national and World Championship level.
ENDS