Paul Van Der Burgh

Non Executive Director, Lookers PLC and Former President & Managing Director, Toyota (GB) PLC

Paul Van der Burgh was appointed President and Managing Director, Toyota (GB) PLC, in July 2015. Prior to taking up the role, he was Director, Consumer One, at Toyota Motor Europe, leading the change and modernisation programme in Toyota’s “Customer First” strategy.
Van der Burgh has more than 28 years’ experience in the automotive industry and has worked in a wide range of sales and marketing roles in the UK, Europe and North America, with both volume and premium brands.
He joined Toyota Motor Europe in 2005 as General Manager, Lexus Europe, with responsibility for marketing. He was appointed Toyota Marketing Director in 2007 and between 2009-2010 was responsible for Toyota and Lexus marketing and sales operations in Poland, as Vice President, Toyota Motor Poland. In 2011 he rejoined the Lexus brand as European Director.
Van der Burgh graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology with a joint BSc honours degree in 1986. The same year he began his career in the motor industry with Ford of Britain. His hobbies include motorsport, photography, golf, fell walking and football. He has also trained for a private pilot’s licence to fly helicopters.

Paul’s participation has been made possible through Speakers for Schools partnership with the UK Automotive 30% Club and his school talks will include a focus on inspiring girls to consider opportunities in the automotive sector and encouraging all students to aim high.