Neeraj Lala (50) has resigned from Toyota New Zealand after a 26-year career, the last four as chief executive.
His career began in 1989 with a three-year stint as an internet development coordinator in the marketing department. He became the general manager of marketing, products and used vehicles before a 2.5-year secondment to Toyota Motor Sales USA in California.
Back in New Zealand he then held the roles of executive general manager, chief operating officer and finally chief executive following the retirement of Alastair Davis.
Lala was also a Toyota Motor Corporation Australia executive management committee member.
The board of Toyota New Zealand thanked Lala for his dedication and leadership.
“I have loved every moment of my time at Toyota. My total working life of 26 years straight from university is a long time with one company, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” Lala says.
“At 50, it feels like the right time in my life and career to transition out of the CEO role, especially with Toyota in such good health. As many know, I have a broad passion for business, and it’s time to explore those interests further.”
Toyota New Zealand says Tatsuya Ishikawa will remain the acting chief executive.
Ishikawa has been with Toyota Motor Corporation for 20 years and Toyota New Zealand for over a year as vice president and chief coordinating officer.
