Tom Phillips, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) yesterday announced that he would be leaving the company on 31st October 2005.

Tom Phillips joined Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd in June 2000 from Toyota Australia where he was Director of Sales and Marketing.

“My major goal when taking the CEO position at Mitsubishi Motors, was to deliver a new model for local production. I will have achieved this goal with the launch of the “380” in October, and now I feel it’s the right time to move on to a new challenge.

Mr Phillips has presided over a period of major revitalisation for the company. The A$600 million investment in the new “380” model included the largest upgrade to manufacturing facilities in the Adelaide plant’s 40 year history.

Mitsubishi Motors has also announced that Mr Philips’ successor will be Mr Robert McEniry, who joins the company with extensive global experience in the automotive industry at both General Motors and SAAB. With Mr McEniry’s background in automotive sales and marketing, coupled with his experience as CEO of South Pacific Tyres and a biotech sector company, along with broad ranging involvement in the business community, he brings a wealth of experience to the role of CEO at Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd.

“I am firmly committed to the further growth and success of the Mitsubishi Motors operation in Australia, and to building on the sound base established by Mr Phillips with the new ‘380’” commented Mr McEniry.

MMC recognises and highly appreciates the contribution made by Mr Phillips over what has been a very challenging time for the company. In particular, the recent Corporate Confidence Campaign initiated by Mr Phillips has managed to rectify what was a critical market condition for the company with the operations at MMAL now having been stabilised.

Mr Phillips will be pursuing other business opportunities while being retained by MMAL in a role of special advisor. Mr McEniry assumes the role of CEO on the 1st November 2005 and will be working with Mr Phillips and the management team in the interim to ensure a smooth transition.

Robert McEniry

Background:

Extensive experience in the automotive industry not only in Australia but overseas, having held senior sales and marketing and international business unit head positions at General Motors and SAAB, the CEO’s role at South Pacific Tyres and a biotech sector company.

Jan 2004 - Present	Retained management consultancy roles within the biotechnology, housing construction and automotive industries.
2003	Holden Special Vehicles Consultant
2000 – 2002	South Pacific Tyres CEO
1997 – 2000	General Motors International Organization Vehicle Line Executive, Large/Luxury Cars
1993 – 1997	SAAB Automobile A.B. Sweden Vice President, Commercial and Marketing
1987 – 1993	General Motors – Holden’s Automotive P/L Director of Marketing