Meet Fiat Chrysler's new SA head

Robin van Rensburg

He replaces Marco Melani who has returned to the Group's Italy head-office to resume his role in marketing for the African region. Van Rensburg boasts over 20 years worth of industry experience, with positions previously held at BMW and Jaguar Land Rover, and aftermarket brands Engen and Snap.

"I am really excited to join the FCA Group and work with such exciting brands, especially during such an interesting product cycle. 2017 is set to be monumental for our brands with product introductions like the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Abarth 124 Spider and 595, Fiat Tipo and the extension of the Fiat Professional Fullback range. I look forward to adding a South African touch to the proudly Italian and American brands," comments Van Rensburg on his new role.

He shares with us his first order of business, top leadership lessons learned and the Group's plans for 2017.

Briefly tell us about your new role…

As CEO I have full profit and loss responsibility for the South African National Sales Company (NSC) which also exports to certain right-hand drive markets in Africa.

What is your first order of business?

Successfully launching the Alfa Giulia and Fiat Tipo in South Africa.

Most important attributes needed to do your job?

Leadership skills i.e. the ability to influence the right behaviours both internally and externally.

Drawing from your 20+ years of automotive experience, what has been your most valuable business lesson learned?

It is not your ability to create a plan that determines your success, but your ability to get people to execute that plan.

What do your consider the biggest challenge facing your industry right now?

The rising cost of ownership driven by pricing, as a result of exchange rate deterioration.

What can we expect from Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa this year?

We launch five new products this year. The most exciting news happening is Alfa with the launch of the Giulia and the Stelvio.