Damian Smethurst has been promoted to Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, effective 8 May 2023.
Smethurst has been with PACCAR for 25 years and has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including Director of Operations, Chief Engineer, and most recently General Manager where he has led the Parts organisation to consecutive years of record performance.
PACCAR Australia Executive Vice President, Mike Dozier, was proud to announce the appointment.
“Please join me in congratulating Damian and extending your support and cooperation to him in his new role,” he said.
According to Dozier, Andrew Hadjikakou has decided to pursue interests outside of PACCAR.
“We thank Andrew for his leadership and dedication to the growth of the PACCAR Australia organisation, and contributions to PACCAR,” he said.
“We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Smethurst acknowledged the work and vision of his predecessor.
“Andrew has worked tirelessly throughout his eight years leading PACCAR Australia,” he said.
“He has championed many critical initiatives including our recent $50M factory expansion and leaves the business in excellent shape.”
Smethurst said he was honoured to have been entrusted with leading the 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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
The sudden departure of Hadjikakou, who was appointed to the role in 2016, comes on the eve of the Brisbane Truck Show.