Toyota reshuffles marketing, sales, people leadership ranks

From left: Wayne Gabriel, Jack Hobbs and John Pappas

Toyota will have a new marketing chief locally from 1 July as part of an executive reshuffle aimed at expanding leadership experience at the company.

The automotive manufacturer confirmed current general manager of marketing, Wayne Gabriel, will be progressing to the people and business development division from next month, after spending about two years in his current post. He’s being replaced by John Pappas, who moves from sales to take up the marketing mantle.

Rounding out the trio is current people and business development leader, Jack Hobbs, who will now take up sales leadership responsibility. The executive moves are part of a long-term rotation policy at Toyota aimed at developing the experience and abilities of those in its leadership ranks.

Toyota Australia vice-president sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, said all three executives have devoted more than 20 years to Toyota and have held their current positions since 2017.

“Toyota’s rotation process plays a vital role in driving innovation and continuous improvement, which is a cornerstone of our company culture,” Hanley said. “Outstanding leadership by Wayne, John and Jack has been instrumental in Toyota becoming one of Australia’s most trusted brands during a period of tremendous change, including during the global COVID-19 situation.

“Their new roles will enhance their experience and growth as world-class automotive executives who will continue to navigate Toyota's success as we transition from a car company to a mobility company.”

The business noted Gabriel’s strong leadership of Toyota’s marketing efforts in recent times and highlighted the launch of Supra, Gazoo Racing, and developing Toyota’s ‘brand shift’ project, signalling the group’s shift from manufacturer to mobility company, as key priorities during his tenure.

Gabriel’s new role encompasses human resources, organisational development and retail, product and technical knowledge, among other disciplines. Gabriel joined Toyota in 1997 initially through its subsidiary, Daihatsu, and has held roles in customer relations in parts, accessories and service, as well as several senior sales and marketing roles.

Pappas, meanwhile, boasts of international, national and regional sales and marketing experience and spent two years with Toyota Motor Asia-Pacific in Singapore. During his time with the group, he’s held a variety of positions across national sales, regional operations, parts supply and logistics.

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