Toyota Announces New External Relations Management Positions

December 8, 2022

Toyota’s PR team: new Public Affairs Manager Ellie Gibbs (centre) with Sam Dabestani and (l-r) Tayla Hartley, Nadia Mercuri, Ellie Anthony and Emma Waters.

Toyota Australia has revamped two of its senior external relations roles as the company positions itself to maximise opportunities from significant developments in automotive technology, regulation and legislation during the 2020s.

After three years at the forefront of Toyota’s corporate, product, lifestyle and social communications, Emily Haseloff has been appointed External Affairs and Governance Manager from 1 January 2023.

Ms Haseloff’s new role will bring to the fore her background in regulatory compliance, project management and corporate law, as well as her more recent expertise in driving Toyota’s PR communications strategy, media relations and reputation management.

Toyota Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Ellie Gibbs as the new Public Affairs Manager, whose role will expand her current portfolio of lifestyle PR and social media to incorporate product and corporate communications.

Ms Gibbs has more than eight years’ experience in public relations, starting her career working for numerous public relations agencies, including M&C Saatchi, before leading David Jones’ public relations and talent sector.

Since joining Toyota Australia in 2019, Ms Gibbs has used her expertise in consumer PR to expand Toyota Australia’s lifestyle PR and social media strategy, and her extensive background in the industry will allow her to bring a diverse perspective to Toyota Australia’s Public Affairs team.

Ellie will lead an internal team of corporate communications and media relations experts, including experienced PR practitioner Tayla Hartley who adds responsibility for lifestyle and social PR to her existing corporate communications role.

The local PR team has also been strengthened by the addition of Sam Dabestani as the primary contact for product PR, following four-and-a-half years in product planning.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing & Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said Ms Gibbs and Ms Haseloff would play invaluable roles in these fast-paced positions.

“Our relationships with media, industry, government and community stakeholders are vital as we grow our business and help customers on their journey to zero emissions based on their individual circumstances, ensuring we leave no-one behind,” Mr Hanley said.

“Ellie and Emily have a strong understanding of Toyota’s strategic direction and business operations as well as possessing formidable communications skills that will enable them to articulate Toyota’s vision for a sustainable future,” he said.