Nationwide has made the appointment of experienced automotive authority Gary Nicholls in a newly created role as operations director – Mobile Division. Gary will be responsible for ensuring that customers of Nationwide’s Mobile Restore and Motorglass services receive the same high quality repairs and service levels enjoyed by the 190,000 customers who pass through Nationwide’s 71 bodyshops every year.

Previously the vice president of retail operations for autoquake.com, the online used car retailer, Gary has spent nearly 15 years in the automotive sector.  At Autoquake.com, Gary was responsible for the company’s defleet and handover centres.  The business grew rapidly over a short period of time into a high volume vehicle preparation and retail business.  With prior experience at Carland, a GM owned Car supermarket group retailing nearly 20,000 cars per year, Gary was influential in its growth through all aspects of the business including retailing, preparation and its financial services business. 

With a business MBA and solid, extensive experience in the automotive industry, Gary is well equipped to develop the systems and operational processes required to support the objectives of Nationwide.  Nationwide’s Motorglass service formally launched on the 1 June 2010, so it is an exceptionally exciting time to be joining the business.  “We have ambitious plans for the mobile division over the next three years,” explains Gary, “so this as a fantastic opportunity to be involved with an organisationwhich is growing almost daily. We have a unique retail proposition, fantastic services and a market-leading customer experience.  However, over the months ahead, my aim is to ensure that we have the processes and systems in place to support our growing team – and help make Nationwide the benchmark brand for mobile vehicle repair and automotive glazing in the UK.”