Iconic car brand Holden has announced that its executive director of marketing, Mark Harland, has decided to leave the company after 20 years working for General Motors.

Holden chairman and managing director Mark Bernhard said that since joining the brand in 2016, Harland (pictured above) has brought a fresh perspective to it during a difficult period of transition.

“We thank him for his passion and wish him well on his future endeavours,” Bernhard said.

Kristian Aquilina, currently managing director of Holden New Zealand and Isuzu Trucks New Zealand, has been appointed as Harland’s replacement.

Aquilina has had an extensive career with General Motors spanning over 20 years. During this time, he has worked in sales, marketing, product management and government relations.

“Under Kristian’s leadership, the Holden brand and sales have continued to strengthen in New Zealand,” Bernhard said.

“Kristian’s understanding of product, marketing, customers and the Australian motoring landscape is second to none. We are looking forward to Kristian advancing the Holden business in Australia.”

“We’re passionate about our future and confident that our sales will improve. Marketing is a key part to ensuring this.”

Commenting on his new role, Aquilina said he was excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

“As a business and as a brand, we are in a period of significant transformation,” he said.

“We’re establishing a new nameplate in Equinox and re-launching an Australian icon in the all-new Commodore. Plus, with our extensive SUV offering and Colorado, we’ve got exceptional products in all the right segments.”

“I’m passionate about Holden and our products – they are the best we’ve ever had. My job is to bring people on the journey with us.”