Toyota New Zealand people and sustainability general manager Debbie Patullo is driving off to a new career after more than 30 years of working for the national distribution business for the Toyota and Lexus brands.
Patullo supported the transformation of the Toyota business from a dealership to an agency model, known as the Drive Happy Project.
She was responsible for implementing a change management programme and the resulting development for store staff throughout the country to adapt to their new roles.
Through strong communication with staff, as Toyota New Zealand navigated COVID-19 and remote work, the company says that Patullo also ensured a culture of health, safety and wellbeing remained paramount within the business.
Over her three decades, Patullo worked in many departments including Marketing, Lexus, Business Support, People Development and Sustainability.
She was promoted to General Manager Customer, People and Business Support in June 2018 transitioning to the General Manager of People and Sustainability in 2021. She was also a member of the Massey Business School Advisory Board and has completed the Chartered Director Programme run by the Institute of Directors.
Toyota New Zealand chief executive Neeraj Lala says Pattullo epitomised the opportunities Toyota afforded to young graduates.
“Debbie has been able to grow a fantastic career and experience a wide range of roles and responsibilities, all the while staying within the Toyota family, which we really encourage and value for all staff,” Lala says.
“She has been a great asset to the executive team, and we are going to miss her energy and passion,” he says.
“The experiences that I have had at Toyota have been irreplaceable,” Patullo says.
“I have had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects and portfolios, and with awesome teams over the years. I am sad to be leaving the Toyota family, but excited for this next step in my career,” she says.
