After 17 successful years leading the Komatsu business in New Zealand, Managing Director Phil Pritchard is handing over the top job to Jean-Christophe Nyssens.
Phil will transition to retirement over the coming year, with Jean-Cristophe to assume the role from April 2024.
“The past 17 years have seen significant change and growth in the business, particularly with the move to more sustainable technologies. 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,” Phil says.
Jean-Cristophe brings to his new role five years of experience as leader of Komatsu’s New Caledonia operations. Prior to heading up the New Caledonia operations, Jean-Cristophe worked with BIA Group, a distributor of Komatsu equipment in Belgium and Africa. He has a master’s degree in Electromechanical Engineering and an MBA.
“I look forward to stepping into this new leadership 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,” Jean-Christophe says.
“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.”
Phil says his successor is well-placed to take on the leadership of Komatsu New Zealand.
“His experience and qualifications position him to make a great contribution to developing our New Zealand business. I look forward to supporting Jean-Cristophe as he settles into his new role next year, after which I will be scaling back to a part time consulting role and membership of the Komatsu New Zealand board.
“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.”