"The global pandemic has placed many challenges on the global automotive industry, along with many new opportunities," said Pierre Martin Bos, out-going CEO of FCA South Africa. "I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the South African market for FCA as our brands have shown a strong growth and potential over the past year. Whilst I am incredibly sad to have spent less time in South Africa than I thought I would, I leave the market in very capable hands with Ismaeel at the helm and a team who has seasoned itself very quickly."
Hassen returned to South Africa in August 2019 after spending just over a decade in the Middle East launching many of the FCA brands and developing the network with general distributors. His experience extends across sales, product, marketing, logistics and aftersales - knowledge that will be invaluable in growing these areas of FCA in South Africa.
"FCA has an amazing portfolio of brands that provide a product for every customer profile. I was as excited to return to South Africa as I am with this new opportunity to lead these prestigious brands in SA as well as Right Hand Drive Africa," said Hassen. "I know I can make a positive and immediate difference to these exciting brands. I will be working closely with our current and future network partners to ensure that we re-affirm our presence and commitment to the market, offering global award-winning products with aggressive consumer offerings within a customer-centric best-in-class network."
