interview
AIMS OF MAY
If Michael May ever departs corporate life, he should perhaps pursue politics. The latest in a long line of managing directors at Iveco Australia, the astute former head of Mercedes-Benz truck operations in Australia has that prudent propensity for saying plenty without actually revealing much at all. Even so, and whatever his ultimate agenda, he may be just the cool-headed leader who delivers stability, direction and energy to an embattled brand. Steve Brooks writes
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LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, Michael May was the head of Daimler Australia’s Mercedes-Benz truck and bus operations. A brand on the boil, kicking goals and much like the shrewd, mild-mannered May, secure in success. From the outside looking in, it appeared a productive, comfortable, satisfying existence continuing to evolve on the back of a modern, efficient and increasingly popular line of trucks far removed from problems of earlier generations. And as director of Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus, supported by capable people above and below on the corporate ladder, May’s engineering background and steady hand had played a major role in ensuring the new Benz models were tested and tailored to Australia’s unique demands. Sure, there was no resting on laurels but
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nonetheless, after the hard groundwork it was time to enjoy the bounty of a rejuvenated Benz business. Or so it seemed. Word was though, Daimler Australia Pacific’s leading lights were about to consign May’s considerable experience and abilities to corporate brother Fuso, where innovative new leadership was deemed an imperative. Even so, it was a tad surprising to see May at the upmarket launch of Freightliner’s new Cascadia in late 2019, and he appeared similarly surprised when asked when he might be taking the reins of Fuso. Apparently, the impending appointment was supposed to be secret, but typically, perhaps, the genial May just shrugged, smiled and said something benign like: “You never know, Steve.” Indeed you don’t, because just a few weeks later came an announcement that shocked the socks off many people, not least his closest colleagues
inside Daimler’s Mulgrave (Victoria) corridors. The erudite, savvy, calmly confident and carefully considered executive was casting aside the relative security and considerable success of a 20-year career with Daimler Australia Pacific to jump ship and become the latest in a long line of managing directors at Iveco Trucks Australia. The big question was: ‘Why?’ After all, even on first impressions, May is a smart, highly professional man who, according to those who have worked closely with him, critically weighs all factors before coming to a conclusion. But, Iveco? Let’s face it, when it comes to the ‘fling factor’ of executive appointments, the revolving door at Iveco Trucks Australia HQ in Dandenong (Victoria) has at times appeared to spin like a merry-go-round on methanol. A slight exaggeration of course, but it is no stretch of the
ownerdriver.com.au
16/12/2020 11:06:42 AM
