Andrew Harbison and Takeo Shindo. Image: IAL
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced a leadership transition.
This will see Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Takeo Shindo conclude his assignment in Australia, with Director and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Harbison appointed to lead the company.
Shindo will step down from his current role on March 31, returning to Japan to resume duties with parent company Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) after five years of leading the Australian operation from its Melbourne headquarters.
Harbison will take on the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2026.
Harbison began at IAL in early 2005 in the role of Queensland Zone Manager, and before joining Isuzu, held the position of District Sales Manager for Holden in Queensland.
He has also worked with Auto One Australia and has over a decade of experience with Beaurepaires and Dunlop in both the retail and wholesale operations.
Shindo arrived in Australia in 2021 with over 35 years of experience within the global Isuzu organisation, bringing extensive international leadership across corporate, operational, product and retail roles.
His career with IML has spanned major markets including Japan, North America, Africa and Southeast Asia, giving him a broad perspective on the global commercial vehicle industry and positioning him well to guide the Australian business through a period of growth and industry change.
Joining during the latter stages of the Covid pandemic, Shindo led IAL during a dynamic time for the Australian automotive sector. During his tenure, the company strengthened its market leadership while navigating global supply chain challenges and preparing for a major product transition across its market-leading truck range.
A key achievement during Shindo’s posting in Australia was the successful introduction of the MY25 model range, representing the most significant product changeover in the company’s history.
Reflecting on his time in Australia, Shindo said the experience had been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.
“Australia holds a very special place in the global Isuzu network, and it has been a great honour for me to serve as Managing Director and CEO of Isuzu Australia Limited,” he said.
“Over the past five years I have had the privilege of working alongside a highly capable and committed team, supported by a professional dealer network that represents the Isuzu brand with great pride.”
Shindo said the demands of the Australian market are globally unique, requiring an unwavering focus on customer outcomes, support and above all, reliability.
“The introduction of our MY25 model range has been an important milestone for the business and a reflection of Isuzu’s long-term commitment to the Australian market. Delivering such a comprehensive product transition requires strong cooperation across many areas of the organisation, and I am proud of what our team has achieved together.
“Australia is a demanding market that values reliability, durability and strong customer support. The success of Isuzu in this environment is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the IAL team and our dealer partners across the country.”
Beyond the business outcomes, Shindo said the relationships formed during his time in Australia would remain with him long after he returns to Japan.
“What I will remember most warmly are the friendships and strong relationships I have been fortunate to build during my time here. The Australian Isuzu family is very special, and I leave with many lasting memories.”
IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Harbison acknowledged the significant contribution Shindo has made to the Australian organisation.
“The years that he has been with us, have been some of our most successful, he will be greatly missed,” Harbison said.
“From a business perspective, we could not have asked for a more qualified, better connected or more enthusiastic advocate for our operations here in Australia. His leadership, insight and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in strengthening our position in the market.”
Harbison added that Shindo’s close relationships within Isuzu Motors Limited, combined with his expertise in areas such as sales strategy, product development and business planning, had delivered lasting outcomes for the Australian business.
“The results achieved during his tenure speak to his strategic foresight and commitment to excellence.
“On a personal level, I know I speak on behalf of the entire Australian Isuzu family, from our head office team through to our national dealer network, in saying that ‘Tac’ will be sorely missed.
“He has not only been a strong and passionate leader for this region, but also a genuine friend to many of us.”
Harbison said he is honoured to take on the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at such an important time for Isuzu Australia Limited, as the organisation enters its next phase.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with our teams, dealer partners and customers as we guide the business through its next phase of growth,” he said.
“The Australian transport landscape is evolving rapidly, and Isuzu Trucks is well positioned to respond. While our reputation has been built on delivering reliable and efficient equipment, we are increasingly focused on supporting our customers more broadly across their operational needs.”
As a subsidiary, Harbison said IAL’s connection to Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan remains fundamental to its ongoing success.
“The close alignment with our parent organisation ensures we continue to benefit from global expertise, technology and strategic direction as we strengthen our position in the Australian market. Building on this relationship will remain a focus as we move ahead with this new management structure.
“I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead.”