By Patrick Avenell
Bush Australia has today announced the appointment of new CEO Brian Rodgers. The former CEO, Daniel Todd, will leave the company at the end of this month. Bush Australia markets the Bush, iLuv, Blaupunkt and Grundig brands.
Bush Australia statement:
“The organisational change follows the acquisition of Bush Australia’s parent company Harvard International by Chinese manufacturer Chengdu Geeya Technology Co. Limited in July 2012.
“The purchase enables Bush to bring manufacturing in-house and complements its expertise in product development, distribution, sales and marketing.
“It also provides the company with access to excellent research and development resources, support for expansion into new product categories and the ability to capitalise on global growth opportunities.
“Under the new ownership, Bush Australia will now report directly to the Geeya head office in Hong Kong.
“Brian Rodgers is the longest serving staff member at Bush Australia, having started the local operations more than 10 years ago.
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Brian Rodgers statement:
“Since Chengdu Geeya acquired Harvard International in July last year, the company has been working on strengthening its global operations and structure to place it in the best position to grow the total business, including Australia.
“This acquisition gives us the opportunity to bring manufacturing in-house and gain several advantages including new product and brand opportunities.
“I am, however, saddened to announce that Daniel Todd will be leaving the business. Over the past seven years Daniel has been instrumental in the success of Bush Australia. I would like to thank him for his significant contribution and wish him well for his next venture.”
One of the last major initiatives conducted by Todd during his reign was the launch of the Blaupunkt brand in Australia in late 2012. At the time, Todd said product design and technology were the two core competencies Bush Australia had been focusing on.
“It’s not just about a brand,” he said, “It’s about the products behind the brand and the serviceability and the quality of us as Bush Australia behind the brand.
“It’s something that we’re very good at — product design — and technology is something that we’re right at the heart of and I think we’re bringing to Australia a really strong brand with some nice products.”