Raw Charging names Jason Simpson as new CEO

Raw Charging has appointed Jason Simpson as the company's new chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Bruce Galliford.

Simpson has held senior leadership positions in the renewable energy and connectivity sectors for over two decades, including most recently founding Believ (formerly Liberty Charge).

Raw Charging said that his long-held passion for the space will drive him to lead the company through its next phase of growth working closely with its impressive roster of commercial property owners and operators of go-to destinations.

Galliford, who founded the business, will continue to support Raw Charging during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

Simpson said: "I am honoured to join Raw Charging as the new CEO working with Tony, Nick and the rest of the great team.

“The company has already made remarkable strides in the space, and I am excited to build upon its success as one of the few British companies in this space with highly committed investors who are passionate about making the clean energy transition a reality."

Raw Charging specialise in investing, installing and operating fully funded destination charging solutions for hospitality, leisure and retail locations working in partnership with commercial property landlords and operators such as National Trust, Greene King, McArthurGlen, Brent Cross, Abrdn and Aviva Investors.

Galliford said: “It has been a privilege to found and serve as CEO of Raw Charging and witness the tremendous growth of the organisation.

“I am confident that Jason’s leadership and vision will further accelerate our mission, and I look forward to seeing Raw Charging’s continued success under his guidance.”

Digital Innk makes key appointments to gear up for growth

Fleet technology firm Digital Innk has made two key appointments to support its growth plans in the UK and Europe.

The Solihull-based company sees Arnaud Bosvieux (pictured above) join as chief commercial officer (CCO) corporate and Richard Spencer (pictured below)as CCO fleet.

Arnaud Bosvieux has held senior roles at Captur AI, Cox Automotive and Arval. While Richard Spencer brings a wealth of experience from the RAC and Arval.

Angela Montacute, CEO of Digital Innk, said: “We have developed a world-class product that will help fleets operate more efficiently and connect them with their drivers and supply chain.

“We continue to attract the best talent in the sector to ensure we can grow while retaining our focus on customer service and product development.

“Arnaud and Richard are hugely experienced and understand the power of digital transformation in creating more efficient and transparent ways of working.”

Martin Drake, director at Digital Innk, moves to the new role of professional services director. He will head up a new offering that provides software development services across various industry sectors.

Mohammed Imran will move from director of partnerships to chief operating officer with responsibility for both product development and customer success areas.

Naomi Nye joins Drax Electric Vehicles

Naomi Nye, former head of national sales at MER, has joined Drax Electric Vehicles to help drive the next phase of their growth.

Nye has more than a decade's experience in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with roles at Rolec, Alfen and Mer.

Adam Hall, director of Energy Services at Drax, said: “We have ambitious growth plans at Drax, so we’re delighted to have appointed Naomi.

“She’ll be working with the team to set our long-term sales strategy and supporting our customers on their journey to electrification.”

Nye added: “I'm delighted to be joining the Drax team. The team's vision for partnering customers to electrify their businesses over the coming years is really exciting.

“I'm looking forward to working with my new colleagues, who have expertise in both EV and energy - a combination that's invaluable in delivering for Drax customers.”

Drax’s Electric Vehicles works with organisations to electrify their fleets and business premises.

VWFS UK names Stephen Jay as new retail sales director

Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) UK has appointed Stephen Jay as retail sales director to support the network with retail sales operations.

Jay brings 30 years of automotive industry experience and has previously held senior leadership roles predominantly in the retailer network, as well as head of sales (Skoda) with VWFS UK, and with manufacturers such as Land Rover and Nissan.

He said: “I’m excited to take on this role, particularly during a time of such transformational change. I’m passionate about making sure we open a two-way dialogue to ensure we meet the needs of both customers and network partners.

“It has been fantastic to meet some of our network partners already and I hope to continue my tour of the UK and meet many more of our fantastic team throughout the rest of this year and build maximum value into our strategic partnerships.”  

Mike Todd, chief executive officer at VWFS UK, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to the role of retail sales director, and wish him every success in his key role for our business.

“I look forward to working with Stephen personally, to push the business forwards and support VWFS with our retail sales operations.”

FORS welcomes Geraint Davies as new concession director

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) has appointed Geraint Davies as its new concession director.

Davies, who will leave his role as Chief Operating Officer at John Raymond Transport, is already well known in the transport sector, bringing with him a wealth of experience, including senior positions with the RHA and Logistics UK, and involvement with FORS for many years.

Davies will replace outgoing concession director, Ian Henderson, who has overseen several initiatives, including developing a closer collaboration with various industry stakeholders, enhancing the FORS Professional training portfolio and implementing the scheme’s ‘future of accreditation’ strategy.

Davies has most recently presided over the John Raymond Transport fleet as a FORS Gold accredited operator.

He was part of the very first cohort in 2012 to qualify as a FORS Practitioner, and has also been a FORS auditor and FORS driver trainer.

More widely, Davies has chaired the Logistics UK Road Freight Council at Westminster and has served on the RHA Board of Directors. He has also been chair of the Wales Road Transport Advisory Group, and vice-chair of the South Wales IRTE/SOE.

Davies said: “I am truly passionate about FORS and I’m proud to have supported the scheme since the very beginning.

“Ian Henderson and his team have certainly taken the scheme forward and, with my previously held relationships with industry bodies, I’m intent on building upon that success.

“FORS is a well-established entity, and I still see huge potential for it grow further.

“With a focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability, I know FORS can bring tangible benefits for operators. In fact, I have first-hand experience of exactly what FORS can deliver.”

Targa Telematics appoints Henning Wiefelspuetz as head of OEM business integration

Targa Telematics has named Henning Wiefelspuetz as its new head of OEM business integration.

In his role, Wiefelspuetz will report directly to Alberto Falcione, VP Sales, and will be responsible for Targa Telematics’ strategy.

Prior to joining Targa Telematics, Wiefelspuetz was senior director of business development for Otonomo at its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

Wiefelspuetz has also previously held senior roles at Webfleet, Garmin, Continental, Siemens VDO Automotive and Philips Car Systems.

Alberto Falcione, VP Sales at Targa Telematics, said: “The relationship with OEMs is moving increasingly in the direction of us providing new connected mobility services developed through the flow of data from vehicles, in complete security and with full respect for privacy.

“In this framework, Henning Wiefelspuetz’s contribution will be crucial not only to develop new partnerships, but also for further strengthening our synergies with vehicle manufacturers such as Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mini and, more recently, Ford, with whom we have signed important partnerships in recent months under the banner of global data integration.”