Andrew Cope, co-founder of Zenith, has joined the board of Synergy Automotive as a non-executive director as the company looks to grow by more than 30% this financial year.

The vehicle leasing and finance credit broker leased more than £29 million of vehicles at retail value in the last financial year, and plans to increase that to more than £42m this year.

Cope, who was involved in leading Zenith through five private equity buyouts between 2003-2014 before spearheading the management buy out of incident management and roadside recovery specialist FMG a year after joining its board in 2014, will work alongside Synergy Automotive MD and founder, Paul Parkinson, to help to shape the strategy and vision of the business.

Paul Parkinson, managing director of Synergy Automotive, said: “Andrew’s appointment marks another milestone in Synergy’s development.

"Innovation, coupled with ongoing investment to deliver top class customer service, is instrumental to furthering our success and Andrew’s powerful track record will accelerate our wider goals and vision.”

Cope added: “Under Paul’s dynamic leadership, Synergy Automotive has carved a strong reputation in the industry.

"Earmarked as ‘one to watch’, the business has enormous potential to continue its growth trajectory and I’m looking forward to drawing on my experience to help it continue to go from strength to strength.

"Many who know me will be surprised about my involvement, but Synergy and other businesses like it are re-writing the book on how to deliver vehicles in the 21st century.”