Isuzu Ute Australia appoints Reiko Sato as first ever female director

Isuzu Ute Australia has shuffled its Australian operations, with two major changes for its management structure.

Taking over the role of Deputy Managing Director, previously held by Takuji Ozawa, will be Reiko Sato – Isuzu Ute Australia's first female director.

Joining the brand from a background in accounting, Sato will directly oversee the company's finance and accounting, information technology, administration and human resources divisions, as Ozawa departs Australia after two and a half years to return to his native Japan with Mitsubishi Corporation.

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Reiko Sato

Further changes within Isuzu as a whole will see Isuzu Ute Australia's Deputy General Manager of Product Planning, Takeshi Imanari, return to the head operations in Japan after just under seven years in Australia.

Throughout his time in Australia, Imanari was an "integral part of the product development of the all-new MU-X and new D-MAX", each rising to roughly 10 per cent of sales in their respective segments.

Taking his place, Kenichi Kudo joins the Australian operations after five years at Isuzu Motors International Thailand in sales and marketing.

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Kenichi Kudo

Isuzu Ute Australia Managing Director Hiroyasu Sato thanked the outgoing team for their efforts to grow the brand in Australia, while also welcoming its new recruits.

"This announcement will see two fundamental decision-makers responsible for much of the IUA's growth over the past few years return home to Japan, with their replacements set to bring in a fresh perspective – along with years of experience from overseas markets to help develop our operations here in Australia," said Sato.

"We are indebted to Mr Ozawa and Mr Imanari for their service and commitment to the brand over the years, and we are excited to welcome Mr Kudo and our first female Director, Ms Sato, to the IUA family."