Suzuki Australia has a new Managing Director, with the appointment of Masaaki (Mac) Kato.

Mr Kato has a long history with the Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), joining the company in 1982 after graduating in political and economic studies at the University.

During his 29-year tenure, Mr Kato has played a pivotal role in the sales and marketing of Suzuki products in the North America, and European markets especially, including Middle East, Africa, India and South East Asia.

His varied responsibilities have included, Assistant Manager European Group of Overseas Motorcycle Marketing, Manager North America and Oceania Motorcycle markets, Vice President of Motorcycle and ATV operations in American Suzuki Motor Corporation in United Sates during 2002-2009, and Manager of North America and Oceania Group Motorcycle Marketing Department.

Most recently he was based at SMC head office in Hamamatsu, Japan, managing for the Oceania and Latin America Automobile Marketing Department.

Drawing on his experience and expertise Mr Kato will now turn his attention to maximising opportunities in Australia for the Japanese manufacturer.