Holden has appointed a successor to the current managing director Jeff Murray who heads back to General Motors Holden in Australia at the end of the year.

Kristian Aquilina will take over the reins of the iconic car brand in NZ in January and will also oversee Isuzu Trucks in New Zealand.

Aquilina is another rising young star in the automotive industry after beginning his career at General Motors Holden Australia (GMH) in 1997 and he’s excited by his greatest challenge to date.

“I’ve had a bit to do with Holden New Zealand over the years and I can’t wait to become a part of the business there and get to know the Holden staff along with both Holden and Isuzu dealers. I have some big shoes to fill but I am looking forward to the challenges ahead,” said Aquilina.

“New Zealand is such an awesome place, my wife Megan and I holidayed in the South Island a couple of times before the kids came along and hopefully we’ll get the chance to see a little more of the country.”

Aquilina began working at General Motors Holden in Corporate Affairs where he helped to launch the VT Commodore in 1997. He has since gained a wealth of experience in many different areas of the business from sales to marketing.

In his previous roles Aquilina has worked with a few GM brands including Chevrolet in Brazil and the Middle East, Pontiac in the USA and Buick in China but he believes that Holden has a special place in these parts.