Cap HPI appoints new senior commercial vehicle editor

Cap HPI, part of Solera, has announced the appointment of Julian Pullen as its new senior editor of commercial vehicle and motorbikes.

Pullen brings nearly 25 years of industry experience, having worked for Northgate, Motorline, GRS Remarketing and Masterlease, and has worked for Cap HPI since 2020. The company said he has knowledge of both commercial vehicle data and Cap HPI.

Derren Martin, director of valuations at Cap HPI, said: “Julian has made an impressive impact as one of our commercial vehicles forecast managers over the past three years.

“Transitioning from one leading expert to another will ensure that we continue to have the right expert in charge of this extremely important role and maintain our position as the leading provider of accurate and comprehensive commercial vehicle and motorbike valuations across the UK.”

Chris Wright, vice president for North Europe at Cap HPI, said: “We are thankful to Steve for his outstanding service to Cap HPI. The commercial vehicle and motorbikes teams will continue to thrive under Julian, an effective leader who brings a proven track record of success in this industry.”

Pullen assumes the position from Steve Botfield, who served in the capacity for seven years.

XPO appoints David Picking as technology director UK&I

XPO has appointed David Picking to lead the company's technology organisation in the UK and Ireland.

The company said Picking has more than three decades of technology leadership experience in the retail, pharmaceutical, leisure, and logistics sectors, including the implementation of IT solutions for supply chain operations.

Prior to XPO, he served as chief information officer – EMEIA for Likewize, a technology services company, and earlier held senior positions with SIG, Wincanton, and the Co-operative Group.

He reports to Dan Myers, managing director for the region, as well as Nigel Rouch, head of strategic projects and technology – Europe.

Myers added: “Dave joins a great IT team who have ensured we remain ahead of the curve in technology. His background across a range of B2B and B2C sectors will be invaluable in continuing to develop leading edge, customer-centric solutions. I look forward to working closely with Dave to build on our strong track record as the leading technology pioneer in our industry.”

Rouch added: “I look forward to welcoming Dave into the wider European IT Leadership team where he will play an important role in helping to cement innovation and technology within our operations and with our customers.”

Car Benefit Solutions doubles corporate sales team

Car Benefit Solutions (CBS) is doubling its corporate sales team to help meet increased demand for its services.

Alex Head has been appointed to the role of corporate sales manager, with Chris Moore and David Charlesworth as corporate business development managers.

They’re currently transitioning into their roles, while supporting the handover of their existing customers. The new positions are effective from February 1, 2023.

With almost 15 years’ experience at CBS collectively, Head, Moore and Charlesworth offer a combination of sector and solution knowledge, the company said.

Head began his career at SG Petch as an apprentice, working his way up to sales manager over a 13-year period. He then went onto Regus in the role of area manager, and then regional manager at CBS in 2018.

The company said Moore’s experience working with ALD Automotive and Infinis equipped him with knowledge for fleet customer needs prior to his appointment with CBS. He joined CBS originally as a field operations manager before progressing into the role of regional manager.

Charlesworth has worked in automotive fleet sales and for an independent brokerage specialising in finance for business, including asset finance and loans. He joined CBS almost three years ago, coming from being a customer of CBS.

The three new appointments take the total headcount of the corporate sales team to six, with Rohan Payne-Bryan already in the role of corporate business development manager, James Howe as corporate product manager and Elise Broderick as head of customers and people.

Broderick added: “We’ve had established customers in the automotive sector for more than 20 years.

"As we now progress on our journey to become a leading provider of inclusive car benefits across all industries, I look forward to seeing Alex, Chris and David embed into their new roles, establish new partnerships, and provide value adding solutions for every business.”