Max Lytle (above) has been appointed as new managing director for JCB Southeast Asia, and will be based at the company’s regional headquarters in Singapore. He replaces Tom Cornell, who is to take up the post of managing director - export sales at JCB’s UK HQ.

In his new role, Mr Lytle is charged with continuing to deliver JCB’s strategy in Southeast Asia. This strategy places emphasis on success through the provision of a total aftermarket solution and close partnerships with customers. Mr Lytle will also rely on a strong international perspective, which he has developed through a long and distinguished British Army career.

In describing JCB’s aims, Mr Lytle said, “Southeast Asia represents a very significant opportunity for JCB. There is high potential and the market is expanding rapidly. As the world’s No.3 in the sale of construction machinery, we will strive to be central to that expansion. I look forward to building on the achievements of Tom and the team and continuing our commitment to provide even better support to customers in the region. My focus is to ensure that our newly expanded - and still growing – dealer network in the region can offer the very best aftermarket support to maximise uptime and help make money for our customers.”

Mr Lytle will draw on experience gained during varied sales and operational achievements in his five year tenure at JCB. This includes a stint in JCB’s UK sales team, where he was responsible for the management of two of the top five performing dealers in the JCB global dealer network.

Within his most recent role of general manager for global major accounts, Mr Lytle also oversaw the building of the GMA Department at JCB with Jo Bamford - son of chairman Lord Bamford – which saw them double retail volume within three years. Consequently, he has considerable insight into the defining JCB family values, which are one of the main pillars of JCB’s successful and enduring business relationships in Southeast Asia.