BCA managing director Andrew Hulme will retire with effect from December 31, 2012.

Hulme, who has been with the company for 45 years, will remain with the group as a non-executive director for 2013 in order to complete and be available for “certain projects”.

He will remain in his position as chairman of the National Association of Motor Auctions until spring next year.

BCA has appointed Spencer Lock as successor to Hulme and he will take up the position on January 1.

Lock joins BCA from global motor retail group Inchcape which he joined in 1998 and progressed to CEO of their UK business in 2007. He was then appointed as CEO of Inchcape Australia in 2009 and served in this role until earlier this year.

Lock said: “I hope that my previous automotive experience in retail, distribution and also the leasing segment will help me to understand the needs of our customers.

“I look forward to leading the UK management team as the company continues to innovate in terms of product development, service offering and online capabilities.”