Fonterra and Rally NZ roles on new boss’s CV.

CHANGE at the top has occurred again for major distributor Inchcape, with Paul Mallard announced as general manager for New Zealand.

Mallard joins from Synlait, where he served as chief operating officer, and appears to have become the fourth executive appointed to a senior role within the brand’s national organisation within the past 24 months.

He succeeds Jerry Delaney, a former Ford NZ high-up who has returned to the Blue Oval at retail level.

Delaney in turn picked up from Kym Mellow, an Australian who crossed the Tasman having gained more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry.

Mellow’s appointment came after Wallis ‘Wal’ Dumper, best known for his effervescent leadership of Subaru New Zealand but also a top figure in other brands, accepted voluntary redundancy in 2024.

Inchcape has been in the headlines recently for having divorced as distributor of KGM, the Korean SUV make previously known as SsangYong. It also has LDV and Subaru in its national portfolio.

Mallard has held several senior roles at Fonterra, but is also know on automotive circles from having spent five years as general manager of Rally New Zealand, when it was the country’s largest annual sporting event.

Blair Read, managing director of Inchcape Australasia, says Mallard’s background positions him well for the demands of the role.

“Paul is a proven operator and brings a sharp commercial mindset along with a pragmatic, execution-focused approach. His automotive background and passion makes him a perfect fit as we continue to strengthen and grow our New Zealand operations,” Read says.

Mallard says he is focused on understanding the business quickly before building on existing foundations.

“Inchcape has built a strong platform in New Zealand, supported by great partners, brands and people. I’m looking forward to getting close to the business quickly, understanding what’s working well, and building on that to drive improved performance and better outcomes for our customers,” he says.