Holden appoints Kristian Aquilina as marketing director, replacing Mark Harland
Holden has appointed New Zealand managing director Kristian Aquilina as the Australian arm’s executive director for marketing.
Aquilina takes the role from General Motors veteran Mark Harland, who assumed the role in January 2017 from the company’s Singapore office after seventeen years with the car maker.
Aquilina started his career with GM Holden Australia in 1997, working in corporate affairs and helping to launch the VT Commodore model.
During his time with General Motors, Aquilina has worked with Chevrolet as part of Holden’s export team including working with Pontiac in the USA and Buick in China.
“Under Kristian’s leadership, the Holden brand and sales have continued to strengthen in New Zealand,” said said Mark Bernhard, Holden Chairman and Managing Director.
“Kristian’s understanding of product, marketing, customers and the Australian motoring landscape is second to none. We are looking forward to Kristian advancing the Holden business in Australia.”
“We’re passionate about our future and confident that our sales will improve. Marketing is a key part to ensuring this.”
In 2008 Aquilina returned to Australia to become marketing manager for large cars, SUVs & LCVs before becoming Holden’s zone manager for Victoria and Tasmania in 2013. He was appointed general manager for New Zealand in January 2015.
Mumbrella understands Harland will be remaining in Australia and looking for opportunities outside Holden. “Mark has brought a fresh perspective to Holden during a difficult period of transition. We thank him for his passion and wish him well on his future endeavours,” said Berhard.
Let’s hope he’s got a plan for immediate change for the better.
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Got their scalp…
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Everyone has something to prove. Everyone.
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RIP commodore.
Has anybody still got a 4 cylinder vb Commodore or Sunbird Torana.
Just because Kiwis like the new Commodore/opel doesn’t mean that sales will pick up in Australia.
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Well yes I have just bought ( March 2019) the latest ZB Commodore 4 cylinder 2 litre petrol turbo. It is brilliant, a refined road train, suspension great , 9 speed auto transmission, agile, very very very eager, solid on road, hatch lift back is great, GRIP and brakes are sublime. Price was 28 k b4 my trade in. It’s simply magnificent
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