New boss for HSV

Holden Special Vehicles has a new boss. And the brand that has forged its reputation near football, meat pies and building better Holden cars, has garnered its new exec from a prestige marque that may surprise many.

With a CV that includes senior management positions with Toyota and Lexus, Scott Grant (pictured), is the new HSV Managing Director -- and only the third person to fill the seat in the hot Holden company's 20-year history. Grant replaces Englishman Phil Harding who will spearhead HSV's overseas operations as HSV's new Director of Export Programs.

The appointment was officially announced this morning by HSV Chairman and the company's first boss, John Crennan. It's understood HSV dealers were informed of Grant's appointment earlier this week.

Grant will also head up HSV's allied businesses, HSVi and Holden by Design.

Grant joins HSV after an almost 20-year association with Toyota and Lexus, including four years in the United States. His most recent role was as Divisional General Manager (Group) -- Lexus, Logistics, Export and Vehicle Services.

Crennan, said the appointment was made after "an extensive search, designed to unearth an individual who could continue the evolution and growth of the [HSV] brand and the business."

"Scott Grant is an outstanding automotive leader and his experience in being a part of the success of the luxury Lexus brand in the Australian and American markets was one of the major contributing factors to his appointment," Crennan said.

Crennan also stated Grant brought to the role experience in prestige/premium vehicle marketing and distribution, and a thorough understanding of dealer networks "in particular the Sydney market".

Interestingly, HSV has held Lexus as one of the brands it seeks to emulate since its early days when Crennan was calling the shots.

Grant will relocate to Melbourne to take up the position when he commences in mid-May. In the meantime, he will spend two days a week in a familiarisation program at the company's Clayton HQ.

HSV praised outgoing chief Harding, John Crennan saying: "Phil has done an outstanding job bedding down the introduction of the new E series, which has been a runaway success."

Harding's engineering background positioned the affable Englishman well for the introduction of HSV's most differentiated product yet.

Industry sources believe Grant will bring a more customer-focussed environment to the performance offshoot. Lexus' customer relationship programs are considered by many to be industry best practice. The ability to tap into expertise related to such programs augurs well for HSV's ambitions to get even closer to is owners.

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