TRADE TALK
BRIGHT SPARK DRIVES INNOVATION AND DIVERSIFICATION NGK Spark Plug Australia Executive General Manager, John Wall, has built a long and successful career in the automotive aftermarket Basing his approach on a unique set of ‘unwritten ground rules’ or ‘UGRs’ and an innate ability to match customer expectations to long-term business strategy, John is excited about the new opportunities which lay ahead. “Truth be told, I have a fairly simple recipe for success,” John remarked. “I continually review the expectations of our customers and the NGK Team and then aim to exceed those expectations daily. “A large part of it is just to take the time to understand the expectations of those around you, then do a bit more and go above and beyond.” Originally from Wagga, John moved to Sydney as an apprentice butcher. However, by the time he finished his apprenticeship he was ready for a new challenge and keen to start a career in the Automotive Industry. While John openly admits he can still cook the perfect scotch fillet, mentioning that ‘low and slow’ is the only way to go, his passion for all things automotive drove him to work in various sectors within the industry including Clutch and Brake; Towing and Roof Rack Systems; Automotive Electrical and Lighting; and Canopy Systems. Thirty-five years of automotive industry service later, John had cultivated a unique set of skills
86
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine April 2021
which lead to his opportunity to join NGK as its General Manager of Sales and Marketing in 2015. When he commenced this new position with NGK in March of that year, John quickly identified the core values that he says set NGK apart from the rest. “We’re humble, we strive for quality, the best range, the best supply rates and to offer the best service” John said before adding, “we feel we still have a long way to go, but we try.” John explains that NGK’s core values are tied to what is known as ‘The Nittoku Way.’ This approach is instilled into the behaviour of all NGK Team Members and include two basic traits of ‘Quality Products’ and ‘Involvement by All’ and the following four core values: • • • •
Shisei-Shinjitsu: Integrity Dokuritsu-Jiei: Initiative Shikai-Keitei: Diversity and Collaboration Soshi-Kantetsu: Passion and Perseverance
John says that while the next decade will certainly throw up new challenges for the automotive aftermarket, he is excited about meeting them head-on while discovering new opportunities to expand the already extensive NGK and NTK ranges.
NGK Spark Plug Australia Executive General Manager, John Wall
“With such a complex car parc here in Australia/ New Zealand, to ensure success it is critical to have the most extensive range of quality products to offer our customers,” John said. “We partner with OE engine manufacturers on a global basis to ensure all NGK and NTK products meet specific engine requirements. “This results in a product range where each part number is vehicle specific at the highest OE specifications, and aftermarket repairers get the benefit of this. “I like to think that I take a fairly strategic view for the long game. I hate short term fixes and I love change, whether it’s structural change in the business or structural change of an industry. “The automotive aftermarket has been going through a lot of change in the last twenty years, but I am confident that the industry is both progressive and adaptable to meet these challenges head on.” When quizzed about customer engagement, John provided a great insight into his management style. “While there is no doubt this is a complex business, I like to make things as simple as possible,” John explained. “We are customer-focused; describing our customers as the people who throw the packaging in the bin. It is simple, to the point, and helps our business focus on what matters.” NGK has an amazing history, but not many know that its origin and expertise extends far beyond the automotive industry. “If it is ceramic, there will be potentially some NGK involvement or history,” John said.
