Europcar appoints new commercial director for UK and Ireland

Europcar Mobility Group has appointed former GreenFlag commercial director, Mark Newberry as commercial director for the UK and Ireland.

Reporting directly to Ron Santiago, managing director, Europcar Mobility Group UK and Ireland, Newberry has overall responsibility for sales and marketing of Europcar services in both consumer and business markets.

Santiago said: “Mark’s extensive experience in the vehicle insurance and assistance marketplace has given him a very clear picture of the evolving mobility marketplace.

"I am very confident that, working with our well-established sales and marketing teams, he will bring this experience to bear in helping our customers as they seek solutions to stay on the road, safely, sustainably, and cost-effectively.”

Europcar said Newberry brings experience across the automotive, insurance and mobility sectors having worked in a variety of commercial roles for the Direct Line Group for 18 years across its brands in both the consumer and business sectors.

Most recently, Newberry was commercial director for GreenFlag, a position he held for four years.

Commenting on his appointment, Newberry added: “The fast-changing economic and environmental landscape has put Europcar Mobility Group front and centre as a ‘go to’ provider, keeping individuals and businesses moving in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

“And it was this increasingly pivotal role that appealed to me in accepting the position of commercial director.

“I am looking forward to understanding how Europcar Mobility Group helps private motorists – whether for work or leisure – as well as working with the multitude of businesses that need us to help them manage their mobility needs.”

Mark Chessman joins Wagonex as chairman

Wagonex has recruited Mark Chessman as chair of its board.

Chessman has experience in the fleet and lease markets, having previously been chief executive officer (CEO) at claim, incident management and recovery service company FMG, chief operating officer at Redde Northgate, as well as deputy managing director (MD) at Lloyds TSB Autolease/Lex Autolease.

Toby Kernon, MD at Wagonex, said: “To attract someone with Mark’s experience and calibre to Wagonex is testament to the work we have put in over the past few years to build this business, and to have him leading our board shows our intent in this market.

“The subscription model, we believe, is the future of car ownership. It is a hassle-free way for drivers to get on the road, knowing that all associated costs are covered in a monthly subscription cost.

“For manufacturers and dealerships, our Wagonex platform is a way for them to easily launch and manage their own subscription service, meanwhile, using our white labelled software too.”

Commeting on his appointment, Chessman added: “Through my chairmanship, I’d like to see Wagonex deliver a further period of sustainable growth, developing a market and building a strong reputation from both vehicle providers and consumers that are using the platform.

“I’d like to help the business progress in a market that is sustainable and see an idea that has already developed come to fruition and achieve its full potential.”