PACCAR Australia has announced the appointment of Damian Smethurst as managing director, officially taking charge from Monday May 8, 2023.
Smethurst has been with PACCAR Australia for 25 years and has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility including director of operations, chief engineer, and most recently general manager PACCAR Parts Australia, where he led the parts organisation to consecutive years of record levels of customer support and parts availability.
Along with engineering and manufacturing Australian made Kenworth trucks, PACCAR Australia also imports and assembles the leading European DAF brand, as well as supporting the largest network of aftermarket parts and service, finance, and leasing solutions.
Smethurst succeeds outgoing managing director Andrew Hadjikakou, who leaves to begin the next phase of his life outside of PACCAR and the road transport industry.
Smethurst acknowledged the great work and vision of his predecessor, “Andrew has worked tirelessly throughout his eight years leading PACCAR Australia. He has championed many critical initiatives including our recent $50 million factory expansion and leaves the business in excellent shape,” he said.
“I am honoured to have been entrusted with leading this amazing business. My focus is firmly on the people – our staff, our dealers and suppliers – who make this organisation what it is, and on our customers, who are the reason for our existence. I am excited about supporting and empowering our teams, to foster a culture of operational excellence and innovation, and strengthening our relationships with customers across Australia and New Zealand.”