The first two months of 2026 have already seen a notable wave of movement across the fleet and automotive sector, underlining just how competitive the talent market has become. With organisations investing in growth, technology and new energy solutions, experienced leaders and specialists are in high demand. These recent appointments and career moves reflect a tight labour market, where attracting and retaining capable people is clearly a strategic priority for businesses across the industry.
Isabella Stout started a new position as Fleet Manager – Small Fleet at SG Fleet.
Tim Shaw is now Fleet Coordinator at Tradiespec.
Denise McKechnie joined GWM Australia & New Zealand as Sales & Fleet Manager.
Ryan Coyne stepped into a new role as Sales Manager – Haulmax Wingman at Australian Tyre Traders.
Wade Harriman has taken over as Managing Director at Autorola Group – Australia.
Bryce Richardson has joined Corpay as Corporate Sales Manager – ANZ.
Allan Whyte is now Fleet Maintenance Manager at Liberty Oil.
Wade Fan has a new position as Dealer Business Development Manager at Omoda Jaecoo Australia.
Lexie Bova has joined Hidrive as Partnerships & Events Manager.
Adrian Magu is now Fleet Development Manager QLD NT at GWM Australia & New Zealand.
Gavin Liu started a new role as Regional Manager (Sales & Aftersales) – West as Bucher Municipal.
Philip Browne is now Managing Director at Test My EV.
Rodney Dalpadado has joined Polestar as Fleet Sales Manager.
Stephen Brown started a new role as Head of Product – Novated Leasing at McMillan Shakespeare.
Aaron Jarvis is now Vice President EMEA at Geotab.
Darren McGinty has joined The Benevolent Society as Fleet Coordinator.
Corbin Luther has a new role as General Manager at Rise of the Phoenix.
Tyler Colless has started a new position as State Development Specialist at NTI.
Anthony Petrocco is now State Fleet Sales Manager VIC/TAS at Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
Alex Gu was appointed as the new CEO at Geely Auto Australia.
Danny Lenartic has a new position as CEO at JMC Motor Australia.
Rahul Anand Senguttuvan has joined Directed Technologies as a Business Analyst.
Ben Hutt was appointed as the new Managing Director at Janus Electric.
James Challis started a new position as National Sales Manager at Fuelco.
Rob Cowell joined GWM Australia & New Zealand as Fleet Development Manager WA/SA.
Luke Callaway has stepped into the role of General Manager – Oceania at Hendrickson.
Andrew Pendlebury was promoted to Executive Manager – Engineering at Hendrickson Asia Pacific.
Paul Riley has joined Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists as Business Development Manager.
Glen Walker is now General Manager – Operations at Austruck X.
Mike Smith has joined Booran Motors as Fleet & Business Development Manager.
Grayden Leaver has a new role as Executive General Manager – Construction Equipment at CJD Equipment.
Sean Killen as promoted to Senior Vice President at Geotab.
Tom van Grinsven joined JET Charge as Senior Business Development Manager.
Bo Christensen was appointed as Head of Fleet Transition at NewVolt.
Hayden Russell was appointed as Regional Fleet Manager at Smart Environmental.
Jake Hooper has stepped into the role as National Maintenance Manager at Splend.
Jeff Nicotra started a new job as Key Account Manager at Ford Australia.
Tim Crilly moved to JAC Motors Australia as Head of Fleet.
Sam Dabestani is now Corporate Sales Manager – Rental, FMO & Large Fleet at BMW Australia.
- Toyota cuts the wait as rivals turn up the heat
Toyota’s latest sales briefing offered welcome news for fleet buyers: more stock is arriving, delivery times are improving and many models are moving towards a three-month wait. But it also raises a question. Has supply improved simply because Toyota has secured more vehicles, or is stronger competition changing how hard established manufacturers work to deliver - New Nissan Patrol Enters ProductionProduction of the all-new Nissan Patrol has commenced in Japan, with the first right-hand-drive vehicles destined for Australia rolling off the line at the Nissan Shatai Kyushu plant. First Australian customer deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, giving fleet buyers a timeframe to consider the new-generation SUV in upcoming replacement plans. For
- UK Sales Signal a Changing Market for Fleet BuyersBattery electric vehicles accounted for approximately 26% of the UK automotive market in September 2026, finishing just two percentage points behind vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines, according to GlobalData. The figures highlight how closely electric vehicles are competing with conventional petrol and diesel models, while hybrids continue to play a significant role in
- Honda Makes its Next Hybrid MoveHonda will begin rolling out its next-generation hybrid system globally from 2027, promising improved fuel efficiency, a new vehicle platform and electric all-wheel-drive technology. Named Honda Hybrid, the system builds on the company’s existing two-motor e technology. Honda plans to launch 15 next-generation hybrid models globally by the end of its financial year on 31 March 2030,
- Toyota acknowledges service parts supply disruptionToyota has acknowledged a temporary issue affecting the supply of some service parts following an upgrade of its core business systems, with the company working to restore normal operations. Speaking to Fleet News Group during Toyota’s latest sales market update, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas confirmed the disruption when asked
