The Australian distributor of BYD Automotive, EVDirect has appointed David Smitherman as its new chief executive, reporting to founder and managing director Luke Todd.
Smitherman previously held four senior executive roles with the Ateco Group which he joined in 2000. He was the group accounting manager, then the commercial manager, became chief executive of Ateco Group New Zealand, and most recently he was the GM of Strategy.
It was Smitherman who focussed on setting up and managing the RAM Trucks business for the Ateco Group in Australia and New Zealand.
He says It’s a fantastic time to step into the role with EVDirect.“BYD is the most exciting automotive brand in the world, it’s at the forefront of the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) transition globally and was the highest-selling EV brand worldwide in the final quarter of 2023,” Smitherman says.
“The opportunity for growth of BYD in Australia is significant, the BYD product is sensational, the vehicle quality, design, range and affordability will see many Aussies enjoying driving a BYD vehicle.
“I’m looking forward to working with our founder and managing director Luke Todd and our great team of dedicated professionals and an ever-expanding national dealer network that will see the BYD brand grow exponentially in awareness and volume in Australia,” he says
