As we look forward and welcome the year 2013, Inquirer Motoring looks back at some of the executives and personalities who came and went in the auto industry.
Tan et. al. to Mazda-Berjaya
Steven Tan, a former executive of Ford Group Philippines (FGP), was appointed the CEO of the Berjaya Auto Philippines, which is taking over the Mazda distribution from FGP in 2013. This new local company will be led by other former FGP executives including Dave Macasadia who was formerly managing director for Mazda Philippines (under FGP) as director for after-sales and general counsel; Kristoff Arcega who is now its brand and communications manager and Japheth Castillo as the new marketing and sales director.
Graceful comeback
For over eight years, the brand management of Mercedes-Benz in the country was under the helm of Andros Villaraza as senior marketing manager (for Mercedes-Benz) of CATS Motors Inc., the exclusive distributor for the tri-star brand which celebrated its 20th year of partnership with the German marque last September. Villaraza left CATS right after the 20th anniversary celebration to pursue his own enterprise and CATS recently appointed Grace Enriquez as brand manager. She left the company briefly to join PR firm Ogilvy early this year, and back again to become brand manager of Mercedes-Benz.
New boss for Motor Image/Subaru
Mike Luyun took over the GM job at Motor Image Pilipinas, the country’s distributor for Subaru vehicles, from Nicky Mariano. Ann Santibanez, formerly from CATS Motors, joined the marketing team around mid this year.
Wuerth the wait for De Jesus
Former Castrol Philippines executive and country marketing manager Ariel de Jesus moved to Wuerth Philippines last February to take a leadership position as the managing director. Prior to Castrol, the slick and marketing savvy executive was responsible for establishing the Subaru brand in the country. Wuerth is a global market leader in the assembly and fastening materials business.
Del Rosario heads Bentle
While the Volkswagen Group announced its appointment of VW distribution rights to the Ayala Group, Bentley, its luxury car brand on the otherhand will be in the stewardship of Robert Coyiuto Jr.’s PGA Group and under the helm of Amado del Rosario, a PGA veteran. Just like Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini, brands which PGA represents, Bentley also belongs to the VW group. Del Rosario will serve as GM for Bentley Manila. He was previously the sales and marketing director for PGA Cars, handling the distribution of Audi and Porsche.
Baladad moves to Isuzu purchasing
Another familiar name that got involved in the motoring reshuffle was Isuzu Philippines’ PR Supervisor Ronald Baladad. Also known as “Isuzu Joe” to friends in the automotive industry, Baladad has recently moved to Isuzu Philippine’s purchasing department as purchasing supervisor.
Mabilog to Peugeot
Veteran automotive executive Felix Mabilog Jr., moved out of retirement and from being past president and COO from Columbia Autocar Corporation (KIA) to become the president of Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI) as the new exclusive distributor for Peugeot. The French car brand had a short stint locally with another distributor back in 2005. Another notable personality joining EDI is former Philippine Star motoring editor and Top Gear magazine columnist Dong Magsajo, who is now EDI’s marketing and communications director. Magsajo will handle Peugeot’s brand communications with the help of Giovanna Marcantonio. Known as “Mac” to her friends in the industry, she also recently moved from Motor Image Pilipinas’ marketing and events department. Also, Pauline Gonzales from ACC-BMW’s marketing team will be tapped as marketing manager for Peugeot for 2013.
Castro to Goodyear
Ron Castro will take up the newly created position of managing director for Goodyear Philippines & Distributor Markets. He will have direct responsibility for the Philippines business and oversight on the strategy and development of programs for Taiwan, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Castro will report to Paul Cadena, managing director for Goodyear Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and relocate to the company’s Manila office.
Castro, who has been with Goodyear since 2005 as the director for communications-Asia Pacific, has over 26 years of experience in senior sales, marketing, product and communications roles with companies such as Eastman Kodak Company, SkyTel, Lintas and BBDO Worldwide, in addition to Goodyear. He is a Philippine national with extensive knowledge of the regional and local tire market, having served as the Goodyear Philippines marketing director for a period when he first joined the company.