VTNZ head to lead DEKRA global expansion

VTNZ head to lead DEKRA global expansion in Oceania and South Africa

DEKRA has appointed Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) CEO Mike Walsh as Executive Vice President of its new Oceania and Southern Africa Region.

DEKRA has appointed Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) CEO Mike Walsh as Executive Vice President of its new Oceania and Southern Africa Region.

German-based DEKRA, which owns 60% of VTNZ, is one of the world's leading safety organisations employing more than 43,000 people in 52 countries. On the road, at work and at home – DEKRA’s experts create increased safety across all the key areas of life.

“The new region covers, Southern Africa, Australasia and much of South East Asia, and includes DEKRA’s industrial and automotive product certification, consulting and inspection businesses,” says Mr Walsh.

“It’s a growing market with a lot of potential – creating a specific region helps us focus on how we can better support those areas with a coordinated offering of DEKRA services.

“I’m excited and humbled by the appointment which recognises the great work of the VTNZ team and the ongoing success of our business since we became part of DEKRA in 2013.”

The Chairman of DEKRA’s Management Board Stefan Kölbl says Mr Walsh already has responsibility for positioning DEKRA activities in Australia and expanding his role to include South East Asia and Southern Africa is a logical step.

“Mike has been with VTNZ since 2004 and has led its expansion through changing market conditions in New Zealand – he is well placed to head our business development activities in the new region.

“He’ll continue leading VTNZ and help find a replacement before taking up this new position towards the end of 2018,” says Mr Kölbl.

Last year, Mr Walsh was the first New Zealander elected to the board of CITA, the Brussels-based non-governmental organisation representing vehicle inspection companies and government authorities involved with vehicle safety and roadworthiness standards.

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