WELL-known industry figure Tom Gibson, chairman and chief executive officer of BCA Europe, is to step down from his role in May.

Jon Olsen, currently managing director mainland Europe and former group finance director, will be appointed chief executive officer, reporting to David Hammond, chairman of BCA Holdings, who will also become executive chairman of BCA Europe.

Gibson's move comes after nearly 20 years with BCA and 49 years in the UK automotive industry, in a career spanning Ford main dealerships, rental and leasing. He will remain as a director of the group parent company BCA Holdings.

Hammond said: 'Tom Gibson's understanding and knowledge of the UK motor industry will continue to be of immense benefit to the group in our customer relationships and strategic planning.'

Since Gibson joined BCA in 1984 it has grown from 14 auction centres in the UK to 37, with pan-European coverage.