New veterans! Astara Philippines appoints new brand head, marketing director

This year’s auto industry rigodon has new participants.

Astara Philippines, the multinational mobility distributor that handles the local operations of Peugeot and GAC Motor, announced in an August 2023 press statement that it has appointed two well-renowned executives in key leadership positions.

Timmy Naval-de Leon, who was formerly head of corporate communications of the Ayala Corporation’s automotive arm AC Motors for nine years, is now Astara Phiippines’ new marketing director.

Naval-de Leon has over 20 years of experience in marketing and corporate communications, also having handled Isuzu Philippines Corporation for 13 years. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Timmy as the new Marketing Director of our Company,” said Astara Philippines managing director Raoul Picello.

“Her expertise and fresh perspectives will be instrumental in enhancing our brand's visibility and engagement in the market, especially at this critical period of our company’s growth," he added.

Timmy Naval-de Leon steps into a new role in Astara. PHOTO FROM TIMMY NAVAL-DE LEON

"I have been very loyal to the companies I've worked with," shared Naval-de Leon when asked about her decision to move to another distributor. "I just feel excited to try something new and I'm ready for another challenge in life," she adds. 

Naval-de Leon replaces Franz Decloedt, also an AC Motors alumnus, who has been named GAC Motor Philippines brand head.

GAC Motor Philippines shake-up

The executive movements come in Astara after the departure of Jun Cajayon, who had been appointed to the post of brand head for GAC just eight months ago.

Astara Philippines said Decloedt will be at the helm of GAC Motor Philippines' brand operations, overseeing strategic sales and marketing initiatives. He has more than 20 years of marketing leadership experience in the automotive and FMCG industries.

GAC Motor, which has been in the Philippines since November 2018, has experienced a renaissance of sorts under Astara’s management. This includes the launch of new models like the GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, Empow, and GS8 4x4, along with the expansion of its dealer network. 

Astara Philippines also said Decloedt will oversee the sales and marketing directions for Peugeot until a new brand head is appointed.

Former Peugeot Philippines head honcho Maricar Parco recently left to join Chinese car brand Changan, which is now handled by rival multinational distributor Inchcape Philippines.

"These leadership appointments form part of a long-term strategy aimed at fortifying our position as a key player in the local automotive scene,” Picello said.

“We are making great strides in our growth and organizational structure, and we will continue with very exciting announcements in the near future,” he added.

Congratulations and all the best to these veteran auto industry executives!

Rate this story now using the five stars below. It will help us provide content that you enjoy!

Oops... Something broke.
    Channel:
Follow our socials:
VJ Bacungan

Senior Writer

An award-winning multimedia journalist, editor, and host for online and TV who has written in-depth stories on road safety an...

Hassle-free purchasing, get your next car fast!

users traded-in for dream car
Add your car

Upgrade

GAC EMKOO

Latest News

2023 SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines revs up for Round 2 at Batangas Racing Circuit on Sept. 22-24

This season's SEAOIL Radical Challenge Philippines is revving up for its second round at the Batangas Racing Circuit from Sept. 22 to 24, 2023. The race is powered by SEAOIL Extreme 97 octane fuel and the whole event will be a one-make race featuring the Radical SR1. Popular names like Joaquin Garrido, Miguel Quiñones and Iñigo Anton will also be back for more wheel-to-wheel action. Aside from this, they will be joined by newcomer Juancho Brobio, who is set to drive the #55 yellow-and-blue liver

It's finally here! Mazda Philippines launches 2024 CX-90 mild-hybrid, starts at P3.68M

Mazda Philippines officially launched the 2024 Mazda CX-90 mild-hybrid luxury crossover, the brand’s new flagship model, on Sept. 22, 2023. Built on the brand’s large product platform, the three-row CX-90 blends performance and refinement into one premium package. “The first-ever Mazda CX-90 is the pinnacle of Mazda Premium," said Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan. "It is our most advanced model ever with exceptional levels of sophistication all throughout that can be enjoyed not ju

See the all-new 2024 Honda CR-V at SM Mall of Asia on Sept. 21-24

As we mentioned in our story on the launch of the all-new 2024 Honda CR-V, you can check out the new crossover in the metal too! Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) announced in a press statement that it is holding its “Drive the Future” event at the SM Mall of Asia Central Atrium on Sept. 21 to 24, 2023. “Making a milestone with the e:HEV technology, the All-New Honda CR-V is the first Honda vehicle with a full hybrid system,” the Japanese carmaker said. “It is also the first CR-V in its generat

Ford Island Conquest heads to Cagayan de Oro on Sept. 22-24

The Ford Island Conquest (FIC) has long offered a thorough test-drive experience for potential buyers in the Philippines. And now, Ford Philippines’ major event is making its way to Cagayan de Oro for the first time on Sept. 22 to 24, 2023 at the Limketkai Center, the American carmaker said in a press statement. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., guests can visit the in-mall vehicle display of Ford’s latest vehicles and take an on-road test drive where customers can experience the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4x4

Electrified na! Ford Ranger PHEV to debut in 2025 with 45km of EV range

Ford Motor Company is giving the Ford Ranger the electrification treatment as the Blue Oval brand has just announced that it will launch a plug-in hybrid version of the popular pickup truck in 2025. Unlike what Toyota has done for the Fortuner and Hilux, the electrified Ford Ranger won’t come with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Instead, it will be a full-blown hybrid offering zero emissions while in its electric vehicle mode. Also read: Would it work in the Philippines? What to expect from the To

Recommended Cars

PopularLatestUpdates
Hot
Jeep

Jeep Wrangler

₱ 3,690,000 - 4,190,000

View Model
Hot
Toyota

Toyota Veloz

₱ 1,185,000 - 1,225,000

View Model
BMW

BMW iX3

₱ 4,590,000

View Model
New Variant
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

₱ 3,290,000

View Model
Toyota

Toyota Lite Ace Pickup

₱ 570,000

View Model
Toyota

Toyota Lite Ace Panel Van

₱ 655,000

View Model

Related Car Comparison

GAC EMKOO
View Now