Australia’s chewing gum has announced Andrew Gao, a 15-year veteran of the automaker, as its new chief executive effective February 1, 2026.
Mr. Gao joined GWM in 2011, moved to Australia in 2014 and held senior leadership positions in sales, network development and product functions.
He will replace Charles Zhao, who will take a role in GWM’s European business after more than five years in the role, having driven significant sales growth in Australia, making GWM both a top ten brand and the best-selling Chinese automaker locally.
In a record sales year, GWM – which in Australia includes Haval SUVs, GWM utes, tank off-roaders and the Ora electric hatch – ranked seventh overall with 52,809 sales in 2025, representing growth of 23.4 per cent.
Its best-selling model was the GWM Haval Jolion, ahead of the Haval H6 – with Haval being brought under the GWM umbrella during Mr Zhao’s leadership – and followed by the Cannon and Tank 300.
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Last year’s result followed increases of 17.5 percent in 2024, when the brand recorded 42,782 sales, placing it tenth overall. This improved its 2023 performance of 36,397 sales, an increase of 45.3 percent and earned it 13th place.
GWM Australia also ranked 13th in 2022 with 25,042 sales – about half the volume it achieved in 2025.
Globally, China overtook Japan as the world’s largest nation in new vehicle production in 2025, while Australian-made vehicles also surpassed 200,000 units sold in Australia for the first time last year.
In 2026, GWM Australia will launch its premium Wey brand as a direct competitor to BYD’s Denza and IM Presented by MG Motor in local showrooms.
The Haval Jolion Max is expected to launch in the second half of the year, while the Cannon Alpha ute and Tank 500 are expected to get a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine.
The company has also launched a significant local tuning program, enlisting former Holden handling guru Rob Trubiani to develop suspension packages for Australian roads, which are often significantly rougher than those in China.
“As we move into 2026, we will continue to introduce compelling new products that are locally tuned and specifically optimized for Australian and New Zealand customers,” Mr Gao said in a statement.
“Our dealer network is central to delivering a best-in-class buying and ownership experience, and we will continue to invest in providing the tools, systems and resources necessary for success.
“In parallel, we are focused on improving our after-sales operations through expanded parts inventory and enhanced technical training. Together, these initiatives will underpin our long-term commitment to providing better vehicles, superior driving experiences and outstanding value and service.”
Mr. Zhao’s move to Europe coincides with GWM’s push on the continent, including plans to expand its manufacturing presence there, with a stated goal of building up to 300,000 vehicles annually at a yet-to-be-confirmed plant in Spain or Hungary.
GWM is one of several Chinese car manufacturers, along with BYD, Geely and Chery, that want to mitigate import tariffs in Europe by setting up local production. The latter took over a former Nissan production facility in Barcelona, Spain in 2024.
Chery is also currently exploring an agreement with Jaguar Land Rover to build cars in the UK.
The leadership change at GWM Australia comes a day after Nissan announced Andrew Humberstone would leave the top local post and take up a position in Paris, France. His successor will be Steve Milette, who comes from Nissan in Canada.
Additionally, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) announced earlier this month that Shunichi Kihara would replace Shaun Westcott as CEO, while Andrew Birkic left Ford Australia after more than five years and former CFO Fadi Mawal took over.
Volkswagen Australia has also appointed an interim managing director, Jeff Mannering, who also heads Audi Australia, following Karsten Seifert’s promotion to a position within the company in Germany.
Finally, Peter Ciao has left the top job at MG Motor Australia. Qing Zhang, vice president of parent company SAIC Motor’s international division, will serve as SAIC Motor’s local boss, while Felix Jiang will be appointed senior vice president for the Australia-New Zealand region.
MORE: Explore the GWM showroom
