Mitsubishi's Australian MD steps down

THE current vice-president of corporate strategy at Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, Masahiko Takahashi, will become president and CEO, following Robert McEniry’s decision to step down as of March 31, 2010.

Mr Takahashi has 27 years' global experience with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. He has worked extensively in Japan, the Middle East and Latin America overseeing marketing, distribution and sales programs for numerous markets across these regions, including the establishment of MMC’s operations in the Middle East.

In 2005 Mr Takahashi moved from his position as general manager Australia and New Zealand at MMC to work with Mr McEniry at MMAL.

From top: Robert McEniry, the final 380 rolls of the Adelaide production line and incoming MMAL president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi.

Mr McEniry became head of Mitsubishi's Australian operations in November 2005 after extensive experience in the global and local automotive industry.

He joined Holden in the mid-1970s and rose to director of marketing (including sales) before moving to General Motors where he joined Saab as vice-president of commerical and marketing in the wake of the GM takeover of the company.

He later worked on integrating GM's large rear-drive platforms worldwide, which became the genesis of the VE Commodore.

At MMAL he presided over the company’s transition from a local manufacturer and importer to a successful distributor and retail company.

Mr Takahashi said: “I have come to appreciate the uniqueness of the Australian market over the last four years, and I see significant opportunity for further growth and success of the Mitsubishi Motors operation in Australia, building on the sound base established by Mr McEniry.” “We are seeing strong results across our product range, with both Lancer and Triton reaching all-time record sales levels for (calendar year) 2009, and the management team is committed to building on that momentum,” Mr Takahashi said.

On announcing his decision, Mr McEniry said: “I believe the company and the brand are in great shape, with a very solid foundation for future growth.”“The company has a strong balance sheet to support growth, has returned to profitable operations over the last 18 months following transition to the full import model, and, importantly, is well positioned for sustained profitability into the future “Despite some enormous challenges and very difficult times, especially around the decision to close the Adelaide plant in 2008, I have been honoured to lead the MMAL team during this time.


After four and a half years at the helm, I now feel it’s the right time to move on to a new challenge.

“I would like to pay tribute to our dealers and all the MMAL team of employees who have played an important and integral role in building MMAL’s renewed market momentum.

“The company will be in the hands of a CEO and senior executive team who have worked closely with me in successfully transitioning the business model and setting the longer term strategy,” Mr McEniry said.