North Otago Toyota announces appointment of new CEO

Lisa Wilson has replaced Peter Robinson as the Chief Executive of Oamaru- based North Otago Toyota, with the change occurring at the beginning of January.

Outgoing CEO Peter Robinson says the timing was right for the transition of the leadership position to his daughter and he will remain with the company as a shareholder and director. Peter leaves after 31 years as CEO, having led the Toyota Store to a strong position. He plans to move into a sales consultant role, supporting Lisa as the new CEO, as well as his son Michael, who works in the business as New Vehicles Manager. 

Peter says that North Otago Toyota has been and will continue to be a core part of the community and has been focused on the importance of enriching the lives of people in their communities through positive social impact. Peter also plans to continue his significant community contributions outside of work including directorships on major community projects and Rotary.

“I’m thrilled to have led the company into a position where we have an exciting future, and I am confident that, under Lisa’s leadership, North Otago Toyota will continue to build upon the great culture we have created across the business,” he says.

New CEO Lisa Wilson says North Otago Toyota will ensure it continues to represent the Toyota brand to the highest possible standard.

“As a family-run business, we have a strong community focus. We are committed to serving the North Otago community, both within Oamaru and beyond. Each day, we strive to build a stronger, more vibrant community. Through our range of sponsorships and community groups, we are committed to making a positive impact within the region.”

Peter Robinson has a longstanding history of supporting the North Otago community, having started with Wrightcars Oamaru, a GM dealership, in 1983. In February of 1989, the Wrightcars Oamaru operation was purchased by John Rush Toyota, with Peter becoming a part of the Toyota family.

He has never looked back, and in 2017 Peter and his wife Leonie took over full ownership of North Otago Toyota. North Otago Toyota has been a high performing Toyota Store, and was a finalist for the Toyota Supreme Award in both 2021 and 2022.

Lisa has been Acting CEO since June 1 2023 and before that was its Chief Operating Officer. She also worked in the family-owned business during school and university years returning in 2020 as Administration Manager and Chief Finance Officer, after a successful career with Deloitte in Dunedin as a chartered accountant and business consultant.

“It is my vision to align our brand with like-minded organisation or individuals who are prepared to give back to the community that has supported us throughout the previous 40 years we have been in business,” she says.

“We have been consistently able to attract and develop highly motivated and talented people, and I am looking forward to working closely with the next generation of leaders in our business to assist them in achieving their goals and objectives.”

Peter says that he has high hopes for the future, but is thankful for his long-standing tenure leading the business.

“I would like to thank our customers and staff for their continued support and commitment to the company during my tenure as chief executive,” he says.