Toyota veteran takes top job at Lexus Australia

EXPERIENCED Toyota Australia executive Sean Hanley has been promoted to the top job of the Japanese brand’s luxury division, Lexus, replacing former CEO Tony Cramb who was last month reassigned to a senior sales and marketing role for the Toyota brand.

Mr Hanley most recently served as corporate manager of sales operations and strategic planning for Lexus Australia.

He has more than three decades’ experience in the Australian car industry, holding senior management positions across most states and territories.

In a statement, the company said Mr Hanley has an “expansive understanding of dealership operations, sales and strategy” and as the head of Lexus Australia will be tasked with ensuring the dealer network has “the required customer care, service and staffing capabilities for the coming period of model activity and subsequent sales growth”.

“This is an important time for Lexus as we gear up for the arrival of some very exciting new product,” said Mr Hanley.

“2013 is the beginning of three big years for Lexus that will see us launch new product, expand our hybrid vehicle portfolio and solidify our position as the industry leader in customer experience and service.”Lexus is looking for another year of growth after sales rose 7.8 per cent last year to 6839 units, but is facing a fresh challenge in the form of Nissan’s recently launched Infiniti brand, as well as strong sales and marketing activity from a variety of established luxury marques.

Its most anticipated arrival of the year will be the volume-selling new-generation IS sedan, which the company has confirmed will be offered with a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain at launch in the third quarter.

An IS coupe and convertible, and possibly a wagon, will follow the sedan, while other products on the horizon – but still to be confirmed – include a return of the ES sedan to slot in between IS and GS series, an all-new sub-RX SUV and a sub-LFA sportscar based on the acclaimed LF-LC concept.