Quartix has appointed Avril Palmer-Baunack as non-executive chairman, following record sales growth in 2013 and a continuing increase in installation volumes.

Sales were up by an unprecedented 60% in 2013, reaching a turnover of more than £13 million, with both Quartix’s fleet and insurance businesses performing strongly last year.

Quartix installed more than 40,000 tracking systems in the UK in 2013, and continued to attract new businesses.

Notable recent customer wins include Shearing Group’s 265-strong fleet of coaches, Sharp Business Systems UK Plc and traffic management provider Amberon Limited.

Quartix also introduced product developments as a result of its ongoing R&D, including architecture changes to optimise user experience, improved utilisation suite reports and its new mobile application, now available to download on Apple, Windows and Android devices.

Alongside its fleet business, Quartix saw a significant increase in volumes in the pay-as-you-drive insurance market in the UK.

The appointment of new chairman Palmer-Baunack spells exciting times for Quartix.

It has recently launched its vehicle tracking system in the USA and is expecting further growth in the fleet and insurance sectors in 2014.

Palmer-Baunack is a well-respected figure in the fleet industry with a wealth of international experience in the insurance, automotive and logistics sectors.

Andy Walters, managing director of Quartix, said: “We are delighted to welcome Avril Palmer-Baunack to the board. She will play an important role in helping to guide the company’s strategy in its growth and international expansion.”

Palmer-Baunack is currently also chairman of both Helphire and Molins, and a finalist in this year’s Sunday Times Non-Executive Director Awards.

Her previous roles include those of chief executive officer of Autologic Holdings and Universal Salvage and managing director of FMG Support (now FMG).  

Earlier positions in her career included management roles at EuropcarUK, Northgate Motor Holdings and the Caudwell Group.

“I am very pleased to join Quartix and excited by the potential that it has for further development in both the fleet and insurance sectors,” she said.