Dale Wyatt, director of automobile at Suzuki GB, has announced his decision to take early retirement from the company with effect from March 2025.

David Kateley takes over from Dale Wyatt as director automobile from March 2025

Wyatt will continue to direct the Automobile Division until January when David Kateley will succeed his position. Kateley has been with the brand for 20 years and currently leads the Automobile Sales Operations division. He has worked alongside Wyatt since 2014.

Wyatt said early retirement would enable him to further concentrate on his health and well-being, and to pursue his passions. He is also considering potential future business interests advising within the automotive sector.

Wyatt commented: “It is never easy to step back from a job and company that you love. I have had a wonderful career at Suzuki, and I will be enthusiastically leading the automobile division until the end of this year. I am equally enthusiastic about supporting David Kateley in Q1 2025 as he picks up the reins from January 2025.

“I am extremely proud of the Suzuki UK and Ireland automobile business that I have had the privilege of leading. As a united team we have consistently delivered on our commercial goals whilst remaining a human-first company that serves the needs of its employees, dealers and customers.”

He continued: “I have no doubt that the Automobile Division is in safe hands with David, and I know that I will wistfully watch the business go from strength to strength as it navigates the automotive landscape.”

Kateley first joined the company in 2003 in a business development role with Suzuki Financial Services and then moved to a regional sales manager position for the south of England in 2007 prior the move to his current role as general manager in 2014.

Suzuki is currently working on the global launch of its first fully electric car, the eVX. Due in the second half of 2025, it will be followed by further EV models through to 2030.

The Japanese brand recently culled four major models in the UK as part of its plans to ditch combustion models and embrace EVs. The move will see the Swift Sport, Jimny LCV, Ignis and hybrid Swace estate depart from early 2025 – “or sooner if dealer stock depletes” – leaving the electrified Swift, Vitara, S-Cross and Across PHEV on sale.