Shannon takes a back seat
Toyota Ireland has announced that Steve Tormey, deputy managing director, will take over from Shannon.
Mr Shannon has spent his career in the motor industry, having joined Toyota Ireland in 1976. He then became managing director of Daihatsu Ireland, in 1992, which was part of the Inchcape Group, before returning, as managing director, to Toyota Ireland in 1994, at the invitation of Dr Tim Mahony.
Commenting on his decision to retire, Mr Shannon said: “I am fortunate to be able to say that I have had a truly fulfilled career in the Irish motor industry, over the past 40 years. I have enjoyed some wonderful successes with the Toyota Ireland brand, but, above all, I cherish the opportunity I was given to meet truly extraordinary people right across the industry, and to make lifelong friendships within Toyota and throughout our dealer network.”
Mr Shannon will continue as an advisor to Toyota Ireland, following his retirement.
In the meantime, Seat Ireland has confirmed that brand director, Corkman Cian O’Brien, is to leave the company.
Mr O’Brien is set to join Audi UK in September and thus remain within the Volkswagen Group.
The search for an ambitious and dynamic replacement has already begun.
The brand is in good health and, in 2013, enjoyed a 64% increase in sales, with a record market share of 3%. 2014 has started strongly achieving over 12% increase in sales as the brand continues to grow from strength to strength.
The company says credit is due to Mr O’Brien, and all the senior management within Seat Ireland, for these results.
