Isuzu has new president

The new president of the Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) was introduced recently during a turnover ceremony at the Okada Hotel.

Noboru Murakami formally took over the reign of the biggest diesel-engine company in the country, replacing Hajime Kose who is considered the longest staying head of any car company in the country.

Murakami, the former general manager from Isuzu Motors Limited (IML), will oversee IPC’s operation as well as the development of its dealer network nationwide. He joined IML in 1995, mainly handling international sales. From 2003 to 2011, Murakami worked under IML Corporate Planning before being assigned to Isuzu North America Corporation (INAC) as vice president in 2014. In 2016, he was promoted to executive vice president of INAC then president & CEO from 2018 to 2020 before moving back to Japan to serve as IML general manager for international sales.

“I’ve always been intrigue by the market dynamics of the ASEAN region. The Philippines has become one of the most emerging markets when it comes to automotive, seen in the numerous models being introduced year after year, so it really makes me excited to start working in this country,” said Murakami.  

With his long and extensive career both in sales and management, Murakami promises to continue IPC’s long reign as the No. 1 truck brand in the country. “Being on top puts more challenge to us, we cannot be complacent with what we currently offer. As always, our key is to listen to our customers, if there is anything to improve it has to be aligned with our customer’s needs and business requirements. Satisfying these needs at every touchpoints, whether for sales or aftersales will pave our way towards achieving ultimate ‘Customer Success’.”

For his part, Hajime Koso thanked all the people who supported him and the company as well.  “It’s been an honor working for Isuzu Philippines for the past seven years. I truly admire the dedication and resilience of the Filipino people, especially our team members in IPC. The last two years has been the most challenging, but we emerged to be stronger with the support of everyone in IPC including our business partners, to which I am truly grateful for,” Hajime Koso said.

Aside from maintaining its position in the truck market, IPC also announced that in celebration of its 25th inaugural anniversary this year, the company is working towards a more sustainable path. This forms part of their corporate goal to build an ‘Isuzu Kingdom’ in the future, where they will be providing the best business solutions coupled with excellent aftersales service as well as contributing to the welfare of the society and the environment.