Wayne Driver, managing director of SMC Australia and New Zealand, will be taking early retirement for health and personal reasons, with effect from 1 April 2023, and coinciding with the start of the new financial year of the company globally.
Driver has been a familiar face in the industry for many years, and his warmth and keen interest in people have earned him favour with many employees, customers and stakeholders.
The decision marks the end of his 33-year tenure with the company, during which time he has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and success.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. I have spent many years devoted to SMC, and during this time, I have had the opportunity to work in Australia, New Zealand and Japan,” said Driver.
“SMC has enabled me to visit numerous SMC subsidiaries to see their local operations, and has greatly enriched my professional development. I wish to personally thank our many customers and suppliers for their part in making SMC ANZ what it is today.
“Between my father Peter and I, we have collectively devoted more than 75 years to the company. I will be taking a lifetime of memories that I would not trade for anything.
“At a recent companywide meeting, 28 people across ANZ received Service Awards ranging from five to 40 years – collectively totalling 500 years of service. This is a huge collective amount of talent and dedication to an organisation, and you would have to go far to find that level if experience across many organisations these days.”
Looking ahead, Simon McDonald, SMC ANZ’s current CFO/finance and IT director, and board director, will take up the role of acting managing director.
“Simon started with SMC five years ago, and as a trusted member of the leadership team, has collaborated across all departments,” Driver said.
“He has been instrumental in the company’s focus on streamlining processes, possesses a strong knowledge of the market and a clear understanding of SMC’s global directives and goals.
“I look forward to nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, bolstering the workplace culture, and ensuring continuous improvement within our company.”
McDonald said he is committed to his new role and looks forward to achieving ambitious growth goals together with the SMC team.
“On behalf of our people, I wish Wayne and his family all the best for the future,” McDonald concluded.
