Alistair Grant DavisONZM is a New Zealand business leader and sustainability advocate. He has served as the chancellor of Massey University since March 2024.[1] He spent more than 40 years with Toyota New Zealand,including 12 years as chief executive officer,[2] and was recognised in the 2021 New Year Honours,for services to the motor industry,business and sustainability.[3]
The day after finishing his final university examination in 1979,Davis joined Toyota New Zealand as the company’s first graduate hire.[1] Over three decades he worked across virtually every part of the organisation before being appointed chief executive officer in 2008.[2] His tenure introduced customer-centric innovations such as the National Customer Service Centre in Palmerston North,the expansion of Toyota Finance and the launch of Lexus in New Zealand.[2] He also sat on the boards of Toyota Australia and Toyota Finance New Zealand and chaired the Sustainable Business Council Advisory Board.[1] After retiring as CEO in June 2020,he served as chair of Toyota New Zealand until 2022.[2]
Sustainability leadership
Committed to corporate responsibility,Davis co-founded the Climate Leaders Coalition in 2018 to encourage collective action on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.[5] He continues to write and speak on sustainable transport and regenerative business practice and serves on several external sustainability advisory panels.[4]
Massey University governance
Davis first became involved with Massey University through its College of Business advisory board,which he chaired until 2015.[1] He joined the university council in 2018,and was elected pro chancellor in November 2023.[1] On 8 March 2024,he succeeded Michael Ahie as chancellor,chairing the Council and presiding at graduation ceremonies.[1]
Davis lives in Palmerston North and is active in the All Saints Anglican parish.[6] He is married with three adult children[4] and enjoys trail running and tramping in his spare time.[6]
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