GoZero Group is once again boosting its leadership with another industry expert after announcing an appointment to the newly created role of CEO of GoZero manufacturing.
Reporting directly to group managing director Stephen Cartwright OAM and joining GoZero’s executive leadership team, Mike Bahr will join GoZero in the role.
Bringing extensive experience in the transport manufacturing sector, Bahr has worked across the Asia Pacific region with industry heavyweights such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors Holden, Ricardo PLC and most recently with China’s Omni Powertrain Technologies Asia.
Cartwright says he is “delighted” to announce the appointment of Bahr.
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“Mike has a proven track record in driving innovation in automotive product development, building global supply chains and leading operational excellence in high-technology manufacturing environments,” he says.
“With his 10 plus years’ experience in leadership roles in multiple factories across China and Thailand, combined with extensive local Australian industry experience gained with leading global automotive companies, Mike is a perfect fit to lead our manufacturing business.
“We are at a critical juncture in Australia’s transition to zero emissions transport, and in the restoration of local manufacturing with the government’s focus on a ‘Future made in Australia’. Mike’s appointment is yet further proof of GoZero’s commitment and investment to support the ambitions of our governments (both federal and state and territory) to deliver on these policies.”
The appointment follows GoZero Group’s recent acquisition of BusTech, which has exponentially grown its local manufacturing capability.
With facilities across New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, appointing someone of Bahr’s calibre to lead the manufacturing side of the brand is set to ensure that GoZero can deliver world-class zero-emissions buses to meet the growing demands of the public and private sector.
“I jumped at the opportunity to join GoZero during this exciting point in its growth trajectory as a leading player in zero-emissions transport in Australia,” Bahr says.
“As a proud Australian who has been abroad for nearly a decade, I’m really looking forward to bringing back my electric vehicle manufacturing knowledge, skills and experience during this critical phase of industry transformation and where the opportunities for advanced manufacturing are limitless.”
Bahr will officially commence in his role on November 25. His appointment follows closely on from other key industry hires including former UGL executive Chris Poole as Manufacturing Director, Jason Aquilina as Chief Operating Officer for Bus Services and Leanne Griffiths as Industry Development and Transformation Lead for Bus Services.
The announcement also follows the news at September’s National Bus and Coach Show that former Nexport CEO Michel Van Maanen has left the group.
Currently, GoZero Group has a team of over 300 people and provides commercial and government clients with a holistic solution to decarbonise public, mining, school, commercial fleet, logistics and charter transport.
The group includes electric bus builder Nexport, manufacturer BusTech, NSW bus and coach charter company North Sydney Bus Charters and zero-emissions vehicle brand Foton Mobility Distribution.
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