AUSTRALIA'S NEW GM, CONSTRUCTION

As we move on from the effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), we are seeing a return to confidence among our customers, who are looking to re-enter the market and buy equipment.- David Small

David Small has been appointed Komatsu Australia's General Manager, Construction, replacing Sean Taylor, who has been appointed Managing Director.As we move on from the effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), we are seeing a return to confidence among our customers, who are looking to re-enter the market and buy equipment.- David Small

David, who was previously National Marketing Manager has been with Komatsu Australia for six years.

David joined the company in 2005 as NSW Sales Manager for Komatsu's construction and utility group based at Fairfield. During this time David delivered significant revenue growth through the development of the Sales Team. This culminated in the sales team being recognised in Komatsu's internal Sales Excellence Awards as the No 1 State for 2007.

David then moved to the National Marketing Services Manager role within the Head Office operations. This role was responsible for the business administration of the construction & utility group across Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. The role covered lead-time reduction projects through factory fitment of local options and forecasting regional market demands to Komatsu's global supply network.

"This was an extremely challenging period as we managed our way through a number of business transformation projects, massive market growth followed by the GFC and subsequent currency plunges. The responsibility in guiding a significant part of our business through these events was a massive education in a very brief period," said David.

David became National Marketing Manager just under a year ago.

"That role included much more front line involvement with our business managers and sales managers and turned out to be a grooming for my current position," he said.

"I've also recently been involved in senior leadership programs with my peers throughout Komatsu Australia and KMSA, developing the organisation's management capability and expertise

as a whole.

"This has included all the general managers, as well as the next tier of management, identifying potential roles, ensuring a better development of relationships across all departments with our peers, building continuity, recognising talent and keeping it within the company."

David said the timing of his move into his new role coincided with some exciting opportunities for him and Komatsu as a whole.

"As we move on from the effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), we are seeing a return to confidence among our customers, who are looking to re-enter the market and buy equipment,"

he said.

"Certainly there have been some big challenges over the past 3-4 years, with currency crashes, the GFC and more recently the earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, the floods in eastern Australia and Cyclone Yasi.

"It's been a challenge to stay focused on our day-to-day business, while dealing with all the other events going on, particularly over the past few months.

"Throughout this, we have been continuing to reinforce the strength and quality of the Komatsu brand," said David.

One opportunity David is particularly looking forward to is the forthcoming Australian release of the Komatsu range of hybrid excavators.

"The release of the Komatsu hybrid in Australia is a very exciting time for us," he said.

"We are talking about a class-leading, world-first product, one which is unique in so many ways.

"Our job will be to ensure that those who have worked for many years on conventional technology excavators will be just as comfortable with a hybrid machine and the benefits it will bring them," he said.