National Jaguar Land Rover boss to oversee all family business’s brands.

EXECUTIVE change at the country’s largest independent new vehicle distributor has continued, with a big management announcement today.

Auckland-centred and nationally represented Giltrap Group has appointed Steve Kenchington (above) as its group chief executive; a new position that puts the Palmerston North-raised figure in charge of the operation’s retail, distribution and rental divisions. 

Kenchington has held executive positions in the automotive finance industry in New Zealand and the United Kingdom for 27 years. 

He joined Giltrap Group in 2010 as the general manager of Scandinavian Motor Distributors (Volvo and Renault) then, in 2015, became general manager of Motorcorp Distributors, representing Jaguar Land Rover, becoming chief executive in 2021. He will maintain that position until February 1.

Announcement of Kenchington’s position change comes a fortnight after another well-known long-serving figure in the company announced his departure.

Dean Sheed announced his departure from European Motor Distributors, effective October 18, saying after almost 26 years of service, it was time to take a different road for his development and business life.

Sheed was latterly best known for charting Audi’s path into the electric car era, a process which began with strong promise but has become challenged by the same issues which have severely retarded all EV sales here.

Prior to running Audi NZ, he also oversaw Volkswagen in New Zealand. Most recently, he has involved in developing the finance, insurance and mobility area across the brands.

Sheed said in shared comment that he has built relationships locally and in Europe, for which he would forever be grateful. He had worked with many and was most proud of the people he had recruited or worked alongside and assisted in their development and of the outcomes achieved.

Kenchington has also latterly seen challenge with Jaguar, with that brand seemingly set to reduce to a single model, the F-Pace, for at least part of next year, this a result of the make deciding to rebuild into a premium electric marque. In doing so it is divesting every model save F-Pace from a broad portfolio.

Kenchington said the automotive industry has experienced more change in the past five years than in the previous 20 years. 

“It is a fascinating and challenging time, but Giltrap Group has the best automotive brands and the best people, and I cannot wait to lead our 1000-strong team,” Kenchington says.

“I envision a future where the family-owned Giltrap Group continues to be a leader in the automotive industry, adapting to the changing landscape and maintaining its commitment to being a great New Zealand company driven by the love of cars.”

Giltrap Group founder Sir Colin Giltrap passed away earlier the year but firmly remains family-owned, with his sons Richard and Michael Giltrap as executive directors of a now 19-brand business founded in 1966.

“As group chief executive, Steve will be able to concentrate on the day-to-day success of the business, which will allow Michael and I to focus on major investments, partnerships and future growth opportunities for our business,” Richard Giltrap said in a shared statement.