The Board of UD Trucks Southern Africa has announced the appointment of Jacques Carelse as the new managing director of the company.  His appointment became effective on 1 July 2012.

The UD Trucks Corporation, of which UD Trucks Southern Africa is a full subsidiary, forms part of the world’s second largest trucking company, the Volvo Group.

According to Torbjörn Christensson, the company’s president for the southern African region, Carelse has a long history with UD Trucks, since 2001, and therefore has an in-depth knowledge of the company and the intricacies of the local trucking market.

“We firmly support Carelse’s vision of maintaining and developing UD Trucks Southern Africa’s position as one of the leading trucking companies in the region,” said Christensson.  “UD Trucks Southern Africa remains the brand’s top market outside of Japan.  With the new generation Quon recently launched, and more model introductions planned over the medium and long term, we are very excited about the future growth and impact of the UD Trucks brand.”

He also said that the UD Trucks Southern Africa management team is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the industry.  The company also has an extensive network of more than 50 dealers across the southern African region, who are able to support customers with all their transport requirements, from sales to service and parts.

Christensson also acknowledged the contribution made by outgoing CEO, Johan Richards, who was with the company for 30 years.  “Richards played a significant role in the success of UD Trucks Southern Africa, especially since the company became a separate entity in 2002, and led the team through many highlights and achievements over the years,” said Christensson.

About Jacques Carelse

Carelse studied at the University of Pretoria and successfully completed his BCom Honours degree, CTA and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

He has a long involvement in the automotive industry with firstly Nissan South Africa (since 1993), when he joined the company on the financial side of the business.  He also spent time as National Business Developer to enhance and improve the company’s dealer network, providing vital insight into the company’s operational development. Carelse also took responsibility for the total financial function of Nissan SA’s sub-Saharan light commercial vehicle export market.

Carelse joined Nissan Diesel South Africa in 2001 and played an instrumental role in the formation of the separate legal entity in 2002 when the company became a dedicated truck business.  Since then, he has taken responsibility for establishing effective corporate structures and incorporating profitable business practices, with a specific focus on the company’s finances, IT, Legal and Risk, as well as Human Resources.

He was appointed as the company’s Chief Financial Officer in June 2008 and also became one of only two South Africans to be appointed to the Nissan Diesel South Africa’s Board of Directors.  His almost 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry has also proved invaluable when the  company changed its name to UD Trucks Southern Africa in 2010, when he provided strategic and operational direction throughout the rebranding process.