Arval announces changes to commercial leadership team

Arval UK’s commercial leadership team has been bolstered with the appointment of Elliott Woodhead as UK retail director, leading the fleet and leasing specialist’s retail sales team.

The appointment completes the Arval UK executive team, which also welcomed Mike Curtis as corporate sales director in July 2023.

Joining Arval in 1994, Woodhead has fulfilled a number of key roles across IT, product development and sales in the UK. Most recently he has held an international role as group remarketing director in the company’s Paris head office, where he has been based for the past four years.

The UK retail team provides specialist support for key partners including brokers, dealers, white-label brands, direct customers, and non-automotive partnership channels.

Woodhead said: “I’m excited to head up a highly capable team who have enabled strong growth and progress to be made over recent years, including securing several sector specific awards.

“Starting a new chapter together, we will drive the increase and use of products such as Arval Re-Lease (our used vehicle offering), as well as the introduction and offer of Arval Ignition, our salary sacrifice arrangement via brokers and dealers within this business area.

“We are also working on some exciting new retail partnerships, which we will announce shortly.”

Arval UK managing director, Lakshmi Moorthy, added: “Both Elliott and Mike have enormous experience, both of the UK market from their extensive time here previously, and now bringing a valuable perspective of leasing across global markets.

“Their knowledge and capabilities will be of great value to us as we grow our business further, and I am delighted to be able to welcome them into our UK Executive team.”

AA Business Services announces Drivetech commercial consultant appointment

AA Business Services has announced the appointment of Bill Chambers as commercial consultant for driver training specialist Drivetech, part of The AA.

Chambers began his career with five years in business development with The Miles Consultancy. This position was followed by a role at TDS Ultra, where Chambers focused on building software around consolidated risk and worked across a number of European bids and tenders, including Schneider Electric and Heineken.

Chambers’ most recent position saw him join the mobility sector with a role as partnerships manager at Appyway, provider of intelligent kerbside solutions helping Government, businesses and fleets create more liveable and accessible net-zero cities. 

At Drivetech, Chambers will focus on enterprise fleet businesses both in the UK and internationally, working alongside Drivetech’s global team, in addition to bringing a new proposition to market for the brand.

“I’m delighted to join Drivetech, and looking forward to taking my new role on the road, working to deliver high levels of customer service to both potential and current clients,” he said.

James Starling, director of AA Business Services, said: “We have ambitious plans for market growth, and it’s critical to ensure we have the right people in place as we embark on these. We’re delighted to welcome Bill with his strong track record of brand growth and business development to the team.” 

The APC announces new HR Director

The APC delivery network has announced the appointment of Liz Stokes as its new HR director. 

Stokes has a proven track record across a range of industries including defence, business services and construction, in both the UK and across the globe.

She joins The APC from Ultra Electronics, a global defence business, where she previously held the role as VP of human resource. Prior to that, she held the position of HR director at, The Clancy Group, and Balfour Beatty, in addition to other senior HR roles.  

Jonathan Smith, chief executive at The APC, said: “Liz is a highly accomplished global HR leader whose expertise in delivering impactful people strategies is unparalleled.

“Her extensive experience, combined with her commitment to drive sustainable change, makes her an invaluable addition to our executive team.”

Stokes added: "The APC's commitment to its employees and their wellbeing aligns perfectly with my passion for strategic HR leadership and driving meaningful change.

“I'm therefore thrilled to be joining The APC and helping to drive forward the HR agenda, building upon the already strong foundations as an employer of choice.”

Engineius appoints new sales director 

Engineius has promoted Bashir Mohammed to sales director as it continues to expand its business.

Mohammed joined Engineius in 2021 as national sales manager following 20 years at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and has been instrumental in aiding the business to scale both its geographical diversity and customer base.

Chris Clibbery, CEO and founder of Engineius, said: “Bash has built a solid base of strong customer relationships, and we are delighted for him to join our senior leadership team to support the next stage of our growth.”

Mohammed added: “Being at Engineius and part of their growth and innovation in the world of vehicle movement is an exciting role.

“Building relationships and finding solutions that ultimately make people’s lives easier is really rewarding and I look forward to the next phase of Engineius’s development.”

Mac’s Truck Sales expands with new sales executive

Truck sales and body builder Mac’s Truck Sales has appointed Peter Knowles to meet growing customer demand for their vehicles across the country, especially in the south.

Knowles, 41, moves into the role after spending several years at JCB, and previously working at Mac’s in the workshop as a mechanic.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Mac’s team after spending several years at JCB, specialising in the plant machinery sector,” he said.

“This paired with my previous experience of working on the shopfloor at Mac’s for five years gives me a great perspective on how to best help customers and offer advice on the right solutions for their needs.”

Charge UK appoints first CEO

Charge UK, the voice of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure industry, has announced Vicky Read as the organisation’s first CEO.

She joins from Connected Kerb where she was head of policy and public affairs, having also been Charge UK’s inaugural vice-chair between April 2023 and March 2024.

The appointment marks the culmination of Charge UK’s first year, during which it has grown significantly in membership and activity.

Having launched in April 2023 with 20 members, Charge UK is doubling to forty members, comprising the companies responsible for the majority of charge points operating in the UK today, as well as charging manufacturers and others working to support the roll out of charging infrastructure.

Read said: "It’s a huge honour to be appointed as the first CEO of Charge UK. The UK is at key point in its transition to electric vehicles. As the voice for one of the sectors making that transition happen, Charge UK has a vital role to play.

“Our members are already delivering exponential growth in charge point availability and have committed to invest billions of pounds more in the coming years, enabling all drivers to have access to the charging solutions they need.

“I’m looking forward to building on Charge UK’s work with our partners in government and across the energy and transport ecosystem, to further improve availability and consumer experience, so that the UK can switch to electric vehicles with confidence”.

Technology and decarbonisation minister Anthony Browne added: “The UK is at the forefront of the global shift to zero emission driving, and I'm looking forward to working with Vicky Read in her new role as Charge UK’s first CEO.

“As more people than ever switch to electric, this strengthening of Charge UK’s leadership team reflects the importance of EV charging infrastructure in achieving net zero, and the continued efforts of Government and industry in growing the network.”