Isuzu Announces Retirement Of Marketing Lieutenant

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced the retirement of long-serving and valued company loyalist, Advertising Manager, Mr Jeff Birdseye, effective 1 November 2019.

The departure marks the close of a 43-year career, beginning in Melbourne in 1976 when Mr Birdseye joined General Motors Holden (GMH), the organisation that first introduced Isuzu trucks to Australia. During Mr Birdseye’s 20-year stay at GMH, he held several sales and marketing roles. In 1989 Isuzu General Motors Limited (I-GM) was formed, the company that went on to become Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) in 2005. Mr Birdseye joined I-GM in 1996 as the National Light Commercial Vehicles Manager. Two years later, he was promoted to Marketing Manager, a senior position he held until a recent switch in 2015 to the position of Advertising Manager at IAL. In his time with Isuzu, Mr Birdseye has been instrumental in the development and execution of key marketing and advertising campaigns for the company. These well-targeted campaigns not only delivered in terms of positive customer and brand impact, but also held the distinction of having the right balance of witty repartee and down-to-business grit. “Jeff’s work history with our organisation is remarkable, both in its tenure and his impact on our business,” IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Harbison said. “Jeff has been responsible for some of the most memorable marketing campaigns in the brand’s history, and his passion for the Isuzu brand is indisputable.” Mr Birdseye has headed some of the most memorable Isuzu marketing and advertising campaigns, with well-targeted, creative campaigns that hit the mark in terms of resonating with customers and the industry, as well as keeping the competition on their toes. In his time at Isuzu, Mr Birdseye has seen this work make a key contribution to the unrivalled three decades of Australian truck market leadership enjoyed by the brand. Mr Harbison said, “We speak a lot about the milestone of 30 years of Australian truck market leadership; and the marketing nous and communications savviness of Jeff has played an integral role in that achievement.” Drawing a long 43-year career to a close, Mr Birdseye has seen the rise of the Isuzu brand in the Australian truck market. Mr Birdseye said, “It’s particularly pleasing to know that as I move into the next phase in my life, Isuzu is well placed to succeed into the future with a very capable leadership team in place. “Isuzu has been a great employer, with a real culture driving people to succeed, and I’ve met a lot of great people along the way who have helped shape my experience. “It’s sad to be leaving, but it’s time to stop and smell the roses after 43 years of continuous employment.” Speaking of Mr Birdseye’s impact, Mr Harbison said, “Jeff has guided us through some challenging times and has always held firm to our core principles. “His presence, wit and wry smile will be sorely missed, and we thank him and his family for their dedication, hard work and infectious passion for Isuzu Trucks,” Mr Harbison said. “We wish him all the very best as he enters this next rewarding chapter of his life.”