The Auto Body Professionals(ABP) Club has appointed Peter Roberts, the former chief executive of Thatcham, as director of strategic development.

ABP Club began in September 2004 and now has 1,950 members  from bodyshop professionals to other individuals from all sectors of the industry such as insurers, accident managers, suppliers and trade bodies.

Roberts has worked across all sectors of the UK body repair industry. Beside heading up Thatcham, his previous roles have included sales and marketing director at Pirelli and director of business development at Partco.

Mark Bull, ABP club director, said: “With his considerable automotive experience Peter will  aid our channels of communication with insurers, accident managers, vehicle manufacturers, civil servants, ministers and consumer bodies.”