Dave Shannon to retire as MD of Toyota Ireland

Dave Shannon, who has been Managing Director of Toyota Ireland since 1994, has announced that he will retire from the position on 31 December, 2014.

Steve Tormey, currently Deputy Managing Director, will become Managing Director from January 2015.

Mr Shannon (pictured) has spent his entire business career in the motor industry. Having initially joined Toyota Ireland in 1976, he then moved on to become Managing Director of Daihatsu Ireland in 1992, which was then part of the Inchcape Group, before returning to the position of Managing Director of Toyota Ireland in 1994, at the invitation of Dr Tim Mahony.

Commenting on his decision to retire, Mr Shannon said "I am fortunate to be able to say that I have had a truly fulfilled career in the Irish Motor Industry over the past almost 40 years. I have enjoyed some wonderful successes with the Toyota Ireland brand but, above all, I cherish the opportunity I was given to meet truly extraordinary people right across the industry and to make lifelong friendships within Toyota and throughout our dealer network."

Donal O'Callaghan, Chief Executive, Killeen Group Holdings, owners of the Toyota and Lexus franchises in Ireland, added "Dave Shannon has made an enormous contribution to the success of Toyota Ireland over the years. He is a major figure in the Irish motor industry and will be missed by all for his vast knowledge of the business but above all for his intuitive understanding of the business and his ability to make sound business decisions and seize business opportunities.

"We wish Dave every success and a full and rewarding retirement following his many years of dedication to this company and the motor industry as a whole.

Mr Shannon will continue as an advisor to Toyota Ireland following on his retirement at year end.