In Disney Pixar-esque style, it appeared as though the cars themselves, and not just their owners, had come to say a final farewell to the man who, for many years until his retirement from the Motor Distributors organisation, was the inspirational Chief Executive of Mercedes-Benz in Ireland.
Though his earlier years in Motor Distributors had been taken up in personnel management and in the administrative functions associated with the legal and secretarial side of the business – a significant responsibility for the fact that, at that time, the company had substantial numbers employed in motor assembly – he later emerged into the marketing and sales arena upon his appointment as General Manager of the Motor Services group of dealerships.
After many successful years in that role, a restructuring of the various Motor Distributors franchises and the creation of a unit with exclusive responsibility for Mercedes-Benz led to his appointment as Chief Executive with responsibility for passenger cars, light and heavy commercial vehicles. It was the appointment for which he will be best remembered.
In his style, demeanour and appearance, Matt was the personification of what many would imagine a Mercedes-Benz man to be. Always immaculately attired, he comported himself with the style, dignity and authority of one responsible for such an iconic luxury car brand and their hugely successful range of vans and trucks.
Affable, loyal, generous and admirably even-handed in all his dealings, Matt preached, and was guided by, the principle of the three Ps – Preparation, Preparation, Preparation. Indeed, as those who had the pleasure of working with him know, it was a mantra that guided every aspect of his professional life, and a discipline that he urged upon all around him.
Within the wider motor industry, he played a major role as President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at a challenging time in its history when the memorable ‘Axe The Tax’ campaign was being implemented.
Away from work, Matt was consumed by a love of family and an interest in gardening and golf. Indeed, that latter interest was one that he contrived, through numerous sponsorships, to intertwine with the promotion of Mercedes-Benz and the fostering of relationships amongst his dealers and their wider customer base.Fondly remembered, Matt passed away after a long illness and was laid to rest in his native Castlepollard. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary, herself from Castlepollard, his children Carl, Niall, Alan and Nina, and members of his wider family.
May he rest in peace.
Matt is pictured on the right with Nigel O'Flaherty, Chairman of MDL, at the launch of the original CLS in March 2005. At that time, Matt was Chief Executive of Mercedes-Benz Ireland.
