Filipinos have witnessed the growth of Geely’s business network in the country since the brand was launched in 2019 under Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP). When the Chinese carmaker first started, it only offered the Geely Coolray subcompact crossover under one dealership in North EDSA.
Despite the humble beginnings, Geely Auto, led by SGAP President and CEO Mikihisa Takayama, managed to open 10 more dealerships in less than two years, with Geely Makati as the latest addition. It has also introduced two more models in the Philippine lineup which are the Azkarra and the 7-seater Okavango.
Soon-to-be SGAP President and CEO Yosuke Nishi
Now, the company has decided to move forward in the local market with a new President and CEO named Yosuke Nishi. He is currently the Executive Vice President of SGAP and will be appointed as the head of the company starting May 1, 2021. Meanwhile, Mikihisa Takayama will be assigned to a new role in Sojitz Corporation in Tokyo, Japan.
“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 approval from Sojitz to establish the Geely business,” said SGAP’s incoming President & CEO Yosuke Nishi.
SGAP President and CEO Mikihasa Takayama
Yosuke Nishi has been around SGAP since 2019, but has already started his career in the Philippine automotive industry as an executive from 2012 to 2018. Since he has been around for quite some time, he admitted that he learned to love the country and the Filipinos.
“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,” concluded Nishi.
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