Armstrong Motor Group are pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Rutherford as CEO of Auto Distributors New Zealand (ADNZ), the Import and Distribution Group within the wider Armstrong’s Group.
Armstrong’s Group CEO Troy Kennedy welcomed Simon to the Armstrong’s leadership team, saying, “We are delighted to have someone of Simon’s calibre join the group at this critical time. Simon is a hugely experienced automotive executive, bringing significant global and local knowledge and proven strengths in distribution, retail, operations, strategy, sales, marketing and customer experience.
“Simon is well respected within the New Zealand automotive industry and was president of the Motor Industry Association from 2022 to 2024. In his new role Simon will have oversight of all ADNZ brands, including the development and growth of the LeapMotor and smart brands where we see significant growth opportunities.
“This appointment further strengthens the Armstrong leadership team as we look to build on our success, by helping more New Zealanders get behind the wheel of their dream car. Simon will help take our distributor division, ADNZ, into its next exciting phase of growth.
Simon outlined his vision for his new role, saying “I’m excited to be given the opportunity to lead the ADNZ team at a time of considerable transition, disruption and opportunity in the motor industry. I intend to build strong, collaborative and enduring relationships with all my colleagues and our OEM partners, dealers and suppliers".
ADNZ plays a key role in fuelling Armstrong’s growth. Auto Distributors New Zealand are the official importer and distributor of Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, LeapMotor and most recently smart vehicles for the local New Zealand market, and are proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated by Armstrong's.
About Simon Rutherford - A highly experienced and commercially astute automotive industry leader, Simon has worked
in the United Kingdom, China, Thailand and United States before moving to New Zealand in 2016 to take the wheel at Ford NZ. His career has included local, regional and global roles, covering all facets of the automotive industry; from retail, parts, distribution and sales and marketing. Simon has an outstanding track record of driving sales and customer service
outcomes, with particular successes in delivering successful marketing, strategy, process improvements and technology upgrade initiatives. Married with two boys, Simon enjoys travel, running, and sports. As a passionate Nottingham Forest FC fan, Simon has enjoyed their recent revival, and the key role of kiwi Chris Wood in that revival.
