Snap-on Tools has appointed a new boss to its Australian and New Zealand business. Ajit Ponnambalam, managing director of Snap-on Tools for almost 19 years, is handing over the reins of the mobile retail business to Paul Lynch, the current national sales manager.
Ponnambalam has been appointed to an emeritus MD role after almost 34 years with the company, and will focus on a successful transition to new leadership before his retirement.
He joined the business as a financial controller, and took on the finance director role for Asia Pacific and South Africa in 2005.
Ponnambalam told Franchise Executives “I’ve been with Snap-on almost 34 years. When I started, a VP for international told me, ‘when you make a decision, think about how it will sound on the six o’clock news’. And we’ve always used that test.
“We do make mistakes, but we always aim to do the right thing. This is a very ethical business,” he said.
In his 34 years helming the business in Australia and New Zealand, Ponnambalam has seen tremendous change and growth.
“We have seen consistent growth from $16 million to now almost 10 times that size and from 65 vans to 185 vans. We’ve done well, and we’ve done the right thing by franchisees, staff and customers, and that’s what I‘m most proud of,” he said.
Paul Lynch takes on Snap-on Tools MD role
Lynch, who has been with the brand 16 years, will head up the business from 25 October and report to Bob Nelson, director of international sales.
Lynch’s first role with the company was national technical and training manager between 1996 and 2000. He rejoined the business in 2009 as manager diagnostic and equipment, and became sales manager in March 2016.
Lynch has driven significant growth in franchisee sales through the implementation of structured sales programs and enhanced field support. He has also led the expansion of franchise capabilities.
A new national franchise manager
Another departure is the national franchise manager Stacey Gilbert, who after 11 years in the role is transferring to Snap-on in the US. She has been appointed project manager, internal audit at the parent company.
Leah Dengate takes up the national franchise manager position in Snap-on Tools ANZ. Dengate’s franchise experience includes national franchise support manager at H&R Block, and most recently, franchise systems and development specialist at Tereza Murray Franchising.
