The growing popularity of Geely cars in Philippines, managed by Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), owes a great debt to SGAP President and CEO, Mikihisa Takayama, who will end his assignment this month. Takayama will fulfill a new role in SGAP’s mother company, Sojitz Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. Taking over his role as the new president and CEO is SGAP’s current executive vice president, Yosuke Nishi.
Takayama was at the helm since Geely was launched in the country last September 2019 under its local distributor, SGAP. As the company’s President and CEO since 2019, Takayama led SGAP and Geely’s strong presence in the local car market with launches of the Geely Coolray, as well as the Azkarra and Okavango, in spite of the current pandemic and the fragile state of the auto industry.
During his term, Geely enjoyed high sales, with the Coolray becoming the top-selling model in its class in several months from 2020 to 2021. SGAP has maintained its top 10 industry ranking in March, keeping number 9 position in total industry sales. All this despite being a young brand in the Philippine automotive market.
Takayama leaves SGAP in the capable hands of Nishi, who will take the helm as SGAP’s new president and CEO starting May 1, 2021. As SGAP’s executive vice president, he has been working alongside Takayama in steering SGAP toward its goals since 2019.
Nishi is no stranger to the Philippine automotive market, working in the industry as an executive from 2012-2018.
“Since I am really fascinated by the Filipino culture, I wanted to come back to the Philippines. And during my short stay in Japan, I had been visiting the Philippines for the preparation of the establishment of SGAP. I have worked on getting an approval from Sojitz to establish the Geely business,” said incoming SGAP president and CEO, Yosuke Nishi said.
“Since SGAP, the Geely business in the Philippines, is my baby, I felt the need to grow it together with our customers and business partners. I want to assure everyone that SGAP/Geely Philippines can give the best services and experiences to the customers,” Nishi said.