Simon Rutherford was president of the Motor Industry Association from 2022 to 2024.
Simon Rutherford.
Armstrong Motor Group has appointed Simon Rutherford as chief executive of Auto Distributors New Zealand (ADNZ), the import and distribution group within the wider group.
Armstrong’s Group CEO Troy Kennedy welcomed Rutherford 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.”
Rutherford 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.”
Auto Distributors New Zealand is the official importer and distributor of Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, LeapMotor, and most recently, smart vehicles for the local New Zealand market, and is proudly 100% Kiwi-owned and operated by Armstrong’s.
Rutherford is a highly experienced and commercially astute automotive industry leader; he 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.
He 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, Rutherford hobbies include being a passionate Nottingham Forest FC fan. He has enjoyed their recent revival, and the key role of Kiwi Chris Wood in that revival.
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