By Ayanna Kirton, Staff ReporterTHE ISSA Transport group has made a number of changes to its management structure in an attempt to maximise the performance of the automotive company's various divisions.
Carman Hudson, who has a 40-year career in banking, has been brought in as managing director of the group, comprising Motor Sales and Service, Motor Bike Sales, Eurostar, Jamaica Industrial Equipment, Performance Distributors, and International Rentals, formerly Budget Rent-A-Car.
The objective of the new team, said Hudson, is to provide the best automotive service on the island.
Over the last three to four years, he said, performance has been fairly mediocre although the group has maintained its good reputation. He said the lack of profitability and "too many" service complaints contributed to the decision to make the new shifts in managerial responsibilities.
In keeping with the group's mandate to provide higher levels of automotive service, the sales and service departments will be handled separately. Mr. Hudson said separation of the two areas would enable managers to stick to their areas of expertise.
NEW DIVISION
A new division, Parts and Service, headed by David Bell, has been created in an effort to increase efficiency in the service area. Christopher Mitchell is the new general manager for Motor Sales and Prestige Motors; Genevieve Vassell, general manager for Euro Star & Motor Bike Sales and Service; Carl Cameron, general manager for International Rentals' and Egbert Chang, general manager for Jamaica Industrial Equipment & Performance Distributors.
Lee Issa, the group's chairman, explained that it was critical for the company to dedicate someone with considerable experience to head the Parts and Service division. "If you do not have good after sale service and a consistent availability of spare parts you run the risk of losing significant market share," he said. He noted that the company had already begun to see signs of a turnaround, recovering lost market share since the recent changes.
Mr. Issa said the group of experienced, dynamic individuals would take the company forward under the guidance of Mr. Hudson. He also praised the performance of former chief executive officer, Ryan White, who has left Motor Sales and Service to pursue other interests, including teaching.
ADVERTISING
Mr. Hudson said the transport group has already begun an aggressive advertising campaign to sell its 2003 vehicles to make room for the 2004 models.
"We will sell these units one way or another at prices customers won't be able to refuse," he said. Mr. Issa agreed that informing the public about the company's commitment to providing quality motor cars and after sale service were essential. Clearly optimistic about the new management team, Mr. Issa said that with their combined professional experiences, each member will make a contribution to the success of the Issa Transport group. "We are all very upbeat about this team because we feel the company is definitely on the right track," he said.
