INTERVIEW
MITCH PEDEN AND DAVID MEAD
MEET THE NEW BOSS With Mitch Peden taking over the reins from David Mead as general manager of Volvo Bus Australia, a new era for Volvo Buses coincides with exciting advancements in sustainability. ABC got in touch to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry ahead. WORDS FABIAN COTTER IMAGES COURTESY VOLVO
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ecently announced as the new general manager of Volvo Bus Australia, Mitch Peden took some time out for ABC magazine ahead of his return from Kuala Lumpur where he has been managing director for Volvo Trucks Malaysia. Taking over the role from acting general manager and Volvo Bus journeyman David Mead, Mitch brings with him 15 years of Volvo commercial vehicle experience coupled with business knowledge from a slew of other roles. Speaking exclusively to us at ABC magazing as the bus brand goes into its 50th anniversary in Australia in 2021, we asked them both about Volvo Buses’ standpoint on developing innovation and sustainable technologies, what product is earmarked for the Australasian market in future – given the first Volvo e-bus is to enter via the Western Australia PTA – Euro 6 diesel and hybrid take-up here, plus a whole range of other things related to Volvo Buses.
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ABC: Hello, Mitch. We really appreciate you taking the time to chat with ABC. Before we begin, congratulations on your new role! How did news of the appointment feel? MP: The news from Dave Mead that I had secured the role was excellent. I reached out to Dave earlier in the year to express both interest in the role and interest to head back to Australia with my wife, and we took it from there. I am extremely pleased with the outcome.
ABC: Was it unexpected or one that you applied for, or was a long time coming? MP: I applied for the role and things moved quite quickly from there.
It is a strength of the Volvo Group where key staff are able to move between business units and share learning and experience.
ABC: Is it where you pictured yourself, say, 10 years ago? MP: I have been with the Volvo Group both in Australia and now in Malaysia across 15 years. It is a fabulous company to work for, with many
ABC December 2020 busnews.com.au
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