New CEO for Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) today announced the current Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Mr Masahiko Takahashi, will become President and CEO, following Mr Robert McEniry's decision to step down as of 31 March 2010, to pursue other business interests.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) today announced the current Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Mr Masahiko Takahashi, will become President and CEO, following Mr Robert McEniry's decision to step down as of 31 March 2010, to pursue other business interests.

Mr Takahashi has 27 years global experience with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). He has worked extensively in Japan, the Middle East and Latin America overseeing marketing, distribution and sales programs for numerous markets across these regions, including the establishment of MMC's operations in the Middle East.

In 2005 Mr Takahashi moved from his position as General Manager Australia and New Zealand Department in MMC to work with Mr McEniry at MMAL.

Robert McEniry joined Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd in November 2005 after extensive experience in the global and local automotive industry at General Motors and SAAB and has presided over a period of significant challenge including the company's transition from a local manufacturer / importer to a successful distributor and retail company.

Mr Takahashi said: "I have come to appreciate the uniqueness of the Australian market over the last four years, and I see significant opportunity for further growth and success of the Mitsubishi Motors operation in Australia, building on the sound base established by Mr McEniry."

"We are seeing strong results across our product range, with both Lancer and Triton reaching all time record sales levels for CY 2009, and the management team is committed to building on that momentum," Mr Takahashi said.

On announcing his decision, Mr McEniry said: "I believe the company and the brand are in great shape, with a very solid foundation for future growth."

"The company has a strong balance sheet to support growth, has returned to profitable operations over the last eighteen months following transition to the full import model, and, importantly, is well positioned for sustained profitability into the future

"Despite some enormous challenges and very difficult times, especially around the decision to close the Adelaide plant in 2008, I have been honoured to lead the MMAL team during this time.

"After four and a half years at the helm, I now feel it's the right time to move on to a new challenge, "I would like to pay tribute to our dealers and all the MMAL team of employees who have played an important and integral role in building MMAL's renewed market momentum.

"The Company will be in the hands of a CEO and senior executive team who have worked closely with me in successfully transitioning the business model and setting the longer term strategy," Mr McEniry said.

Locate your local Mitsubishi Dealers and find out more about Mitsubishi's range of new cars including the Outlander, Challenger and Lancer when you visit the Official Mitsubishi Motors Australia website.

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