Vincente Connolly Appointed Managing Director at Scania East Africa
23 AUGUST 2023
Scania East Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Vincente Connolly as the company’s Managing Director, where he will spearhead the operations of the East Africa business unit (Kenya and Tanzania), whilst supporting activities in Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Vincente takes over from Lars Eklund who has been the Managing Director at the company since October 2020.
Vincente joins the company from Scania UK where he was the Sales Director for four years, with his tenure being marked with fantastic accomplishments including the launch of ScaniaGo, a first for the Used Trucks, Bus, and Coaches industry. He also led the sales team to achieve the highest customer order intake and highest market share for new trucks in the company’s history, while also seeing record levels of profitability across the Rental, Power Solutions, and the Dealer Network. Vincente’s significant commercial and leadership experience from both within and outside Scania will enable him to drive the growth of the company in the region by delivering transport solutions that meet the needs of the customers.
Vincente’s journey in the automotive industry began in 1993 as a technician working on Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, and he rose through the ranks during the twenty years he was working with the Daimler organisation in the UK, leaving in in April 2017 having served as Director National Sales for the Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Truck division. Thereafter, acted in various senior Directorships with Private Dealers for Mercedes-Benz Vans & Trucks and as Regional Executive Director with Motus Commercials with DAF trucks and Ford commercial vehicles till May 2019. “I am proud to have worked with the three of biggest Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in the world, and I have amassed experience that covers services, telematics, and sales, and it is my hope that this experience gives me some credibility and confidence with our customers in being able to understand their business needs and to serve the East Africa team,” explains Vincente.
From left: Vincente Connolly and Lars Eklund
A big believer in people, Vincente is passionate about developing, mentoring and coaching teams, something he looks forward to doing with the East Africa team, and ensuring that the team achieves its objectives together as one. “My goal is to lead, guide, and make sure that as a team we achieve our objectives together by working hard as we also enjoy ourselves. There is no rule of nature that says that you have to work hard and be sad! We move together as a team, and here at Scania we move together as a family,” Vincente encouragingly emphasizes.
For the customers in East Africa, Vincente’s priority is to continue building their faith and trust in the Scania product and service offering by delivering an outstanding experience to them. “As a business we need to be on point with the experience which we offer, and create value for our customers for them to continue having faith and confidence in our products and services, which is crucial for us,” he highlights.
Reflecting on the conversation regarding alternative fuels and the shift to Euro 4 technology, and the vital need for us to take better care of the environment for the next generation, Vincente looks forward to working with customers in delivering solutions with cleaner technology and powertrains that allow for them to be successful in their business operations, while at the same time protecting the environment. “We can see the effect on the environment with the old powertrain technology, and we owe it to each other as a society, as manufacturers, and to the next generation, to do what we can to make sure that the environment is looked after for our children, and that means that we have to take strides in the kind of products which we have on our roads,” Vincente explains.
During his time at the company, Vincente looks forward to creating value together with the team to deliver fantastic results for the customers and the business.
“I am truly blessed to be inheriting the company from Lars who has steered the organization in a remarkable way, and the tremendous strides which the company has made under his leadership, and I am very lucky for the opportunity to work alongside the Scania East Africa team who have been so welcoming,” Vincente commends.
The company sends its best wishes to Vincente as he settles in his new role, and celebrates Lars Eklund for his valuable contribution and leadership during his time at the company.
