THE latest appointments in the fleet industry.

Allen’s new role in marketing support

TRACY Allen has been promoted to operations manager covering marketing support services at Network Automotive.

Allen joined the company 10 years ago, initially being involved with training before moving on to programme management within the group.

The market support services team handles design, print, stock management, distribution of sales, marketing and materials for groups such as franchise dealers, motor manufacturers and daily rental companies.

Frank Lord, interim managing director at Network Automotive, said: ‘She has extensive experience at Network and within the motor industry. We are sure this depth of understanding will prove to be a valuable asset as we seek to expand this area over the coming months and years.’

Congestion info is Plumpton’s new task

DENISE Plumpton has joined the Highways Agency as director of information responsible for improving the quality of information given to drivers trying to beat congestion.

She will also be responsible for managing business information services in the agency and will be a member of the Highways Agency’s board.

As part of her remit, she will be responsible for 150 staff, a budget of £25 million and influence over a further £100 million.

Plumpton has extensive experience in developing information technology strategies in the public and private sectors and she joins from mobile phone supplier Sendo, where she was IT director.

She has also worked at TNT and is chairman of the corporate IT Forum.

  • SIMON Warrington has joined GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services as chief information officer responsible for all European IT operations.

    Warrington joins from GE Consumer Finance UK where he held several positions, including heading up the IT integration of First National group. Before that he worked as UK regional chief technology officer for GE Consumer Finance and prior to joining GE, he worked for Royal Sun Alliance for eight years.

  • SCOTTISH Motor Auction Group (SMAG) has recruited Alec Murray as non-executive director.

    Murray spent 30 years with Ford in domestic and overseas assignments culminating as managing director of Ford Credit in the UK. He then joined Quick’s group as chief executive and has held several non-executive roles with motor retailers, car rental, finance and contract hire companies.

  • TERRY Dockery has joined Chelmsford Car Auction Group as director of sales and marketing.

    He brings several years’ knowledge gained in the used car market and says that he will use his skills to deliver value to clients in an ‘innovative and challenging auction environment’.

  • VOLKSWAGEN Fleet Services has appointed two new area fleet managers. Eddie Cassidy becomes area fleet manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland and Lee Rabjohn takes over as area fleet manager for Birmingham and Derby. Cassidy has worked in the industry for seven years, including regional fleet manager with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Rabjohn brings experience gained at Ford Motor Company such as fleet business manager for the Midlands.

  • MOTOR repair and claims management group Audatex has appointed Steve Watson as product manager for new services. Watson will be responsible for creating ideas for new products and services for Audatex customers. Prior to joining Audatex, Watson worked at Thatcham, the research centre, for eight years, latterly as IT manager.

  • THE Infleet Tyre Service Network has appointed two non-executive directors to its board. John Selton from Fossitt & Thorne Tyres and Richard Stow of Hi-Q Moss Tyres join current board members. They will be responsible for advising Infleet on business initiatives under development and bring a combined 50 years’ experience to the board.

  • JEREMY Smith has joined Mondial Assistance in the newly- created role of business development manger. His 24 years motor industry experience includes five years at Axa Insurance, where he was warranty manager. He also held roles at Honda UK, the RAC and American International Group. Smith said: ‘The warranty department is experiencing a period of sustained growth and I aim to ensure this expansion continues. I will also be providing support to the team as it focuses on both new and existing business.’

  • JOSE Antonio Garvia has joined Fiat Auto UK as the new market general manager. He joins the company from Fiat Auto Espana in Madrid, where he was in charge of the Alfa Romeo brand. In his new role, he will be responsible for both the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands.