Komatsu New Zealand managing director Phil Pritchard will be handing over the title to Jean-Christophe Nyssens.
Pritchard has been managing the New Zealand arm of the business for 17 years and will now transition to retirement, with Nyssens set to take on the role from April.
“The past 17 years have seen significant change and growth in the business, particularly with the move to more sustainable technologies,” Pritchard said.
“It has been exciting to be part of this ongoing transition and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with an outstanding team and customers who have always been willing to look for the next innovation in their fleet.”
Nyssens has been leading Komatsu’s New Caledonia operations for the past five years and brings with him experience from BIA Group, a Belgium- and Africa-based distributor of Komatsu equipment.
Nyssens said he is looking forward to his new role.
“Phil has created an exceptional team and culture across Komatsu New Zealand, and I will be grateful to have him on board as a mentor, where I can benefit from his experience and help deliver a smooth transition for both staff and customers,” he said.
“I’ll be relocating to Auckland with my wife and children, and they are all very excited to make a home in this beautiful country.
“We have a big 2024 planned, with the expansions of two of our key branches in Levin and Auckland, and I’m excited to see these open and provide more service and support to our customers.”
Pritchard said Nyssens will be a win for the business.
“His experience and qualifications position him to make a great contribution to developing our New Zealand business,” he said.
“Rest assured there will be no disruption to the business while this transition takes place. Our customers will continue to see the high level of support they know they can expect from Komatsu, with the combined knowledge of the business from both myself and Jean-Cristophe.”
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