AUTOMOTIVE
Automotive Executive Search in New Zealand
Dealer networks, distributors and the shift to electrified mobility.
Automotive distribution moves to a rhythm of OEM cycles, dealer economics and shifting consumer expectations. Infinitas is an Auckland executive search firm partnering with New Zealand distributors, dealer networks, parts groups and aftermarket operators on retained search for CEOs, National Sales Managers, senior operators and non-executive directors. We start every search with a board-grade brief grounded in channel and OEM context.
The Market
The automotive industry is in transition, and the leadership skill set is evolving with it.
Electrification, agency-model shifts and consolidation across dealer networks are forcing new thinking. Aftermarket and parts businesses are growing. Boards want operators who can run a network business, manage OEM relationships and lead teams through change.
Where the sector is shifting.
Electrification reshapes the network.
BEV and hybrid mix is rising fast. Direct-to-consumer agency models are being trialled by major OEMs. Aftermarket and service businesses are increasingly important to dealer P&L.
OEM realignment.
Brand and franchise changes are reshaping ownership of NZ networks. Inventory and floor-plan economics are tighter than they have been in a decade. Talent at general manager level is mobile.
Trans-Tasman and aftermarket plays.
Australian dealer groups are entering the NZ market. PE-backed aftermarket consolidation is creating senior leadership roles. EV-charging and mobility services are emerging adjacencies.
Who We Place
Leadership roles we search across automotive distribution and dealer networks.
- Chief Executive
- National Sales Manager
- Operations Lead
- General Manager Aftermarket
- Head of Parts and Service
- Head of Distribution
- Head of Marketing
- Chief Financial Officer
- Head of People and Culture
- Head of Fleet
- Independent Chair
- Non-Executive Director
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
01. Do you recruit across both distribution and dealership?
Yes. We recruit across the full automotive spectrum. That includes new vehicle distributors, dealer groups, parts businesses, aftermarket operators, fleet and EV-charging companies. Our retained search engagements cover both leadership and specialist roles.
02. Can you find chairs and non-executive directors with automotive, distribution and dealer-network backgrounds?
Yes. We maintain a curated Board & NED Network that includes operators, finance specialists, governance veterans and senior leaders with deep automotive experience. We can build a chair shortlist, refresh a board, or place a single non-executive director.
03. What does an Infinitas automotive search engagement look like?
Retained search. Every engagement begins with a board-grade brief covering role architecture, success measures, the operating context and the cultural lens. From there we run a structured market map, a long-list of identified candidates, structured interviews and competency assessment, references and a written shortlist report. Engagements typically run 8 to 12 weeks and test channel and OEM commercial fluency.
04. Where in New Zealand do you operate?
We are based in Auckland and run searches nationally. That includes Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga, Hamilton, Dunedin and the regions. Where a role requires a trans-Tasman or international map, we extend the search accordingly.
Related Sectors
Where leaders cross over.
COOs, Network Directors and Heads of Operations who keep freight and logistics moving.
Sales Directors, Heads of Marketing, Supply Chain and Commercial Leads who drive growth and market share.
Operations Directors, Sustainability Leads, CEOs and Commercial Managers powering the future.
Ready to Talk
Ready to build your next automotive leadership team?
Partner with Infinitas to recruit CEOs, National Sales Managers and senior operators across NZ automotive distribution and aftermarket.