Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles appoints new head of direct sales

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) has appointed Tom Macintyre as head of direct sales in the UK, starting his new role from September 1.

Macintyre joined Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in August 2021 as head of product planning, having previously built a successful career at Volkswagen Financial Services.

With a proven track record in sales and supply planning, Macintyre has overseen a series of exciting new model launches for the Brand, including the new ID Buzz range.

In his new position, he will be responsible for delivering against Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ strategic priorities, including growing its market share in electric vehicles.

Cian O’Brien, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are delighted to offer Tom this opportunity to continue expanding his career within the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand.

“Tom’s broad experience across strategic transformation and digital process development make him well appointed to deliver our business priorities.”

Macintyre takes over from David Hanna, who moves to Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles as head of network sales. 

Rory Harrison joins Fleet Procure

Rory Harrison, former ALD Automotive business development manager for the funder’s smart leasing relationship, has been appointed commercial manager – leasing and OEM at Fleet Procure.

Fleet Procure is a fintech software solutions provider to brokers, dealers, finance companies and OEMs.

In his new role, Harrison will focus on OEM and leasing company relationships to utilise Fleet Procure’s core vehicle procurement and ordering platform, agency ordering and the new Stock Manager module for managing tactical stock.

Harrison said: “It's a big move for me after spending such a significant part of my career with ALD. But it's such a great opportunity to engage the leasing companies and OEMs in the benefits of the Fleet Procure platform, particularly as we move towards more agency deals.”

Lee Jones, managing director at Fleet Procure, added: “Rory joins us at a remarkable time for our business as we enter an exciting phase of our growth plans.

“Our next step is to branch out from our current leasing broker and dealer offering to work directly with car makers and leasing companies.

“Rory is very experienced and well-regarded. He will be heading up this new direction and introducing our new products to these automotive sectors.”

Jones continued: “The business is set for exciting times. We are already in trials with two major FN50 funders and at the same time, we have continued to sign up leasing brokers every month, with 80 on the books and an ambition to attract 100 leasing brokers to the platform by the end of the year.

“We are definitely looking forward to a successful future at Fleet Procure.”

New group operations director joins Allscreens Nationwide

Allscreens Nationwide has appointed Mark Payne to the role of group operations director to lead its expansion into the UK market.

Payne brings 35 years of industry expertise to the role, having previously held a similar position at Charles Pugh Windscreens, a leading member of National Windscreens, where he oversaw the growth of the business from three to 35 branches across the UK. 

Allscreens, which is celebrating its 30th year in business, now has 10 sites across the UK and has seen a growth of over 150% since 2021.

Payne will help the business continue in its expansion into the UK market by establishing further branches around the country.

Stuart Sole, group executive director at Allscreens Nationwide, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Mark to the team. He brings significant industry knowledge and insight to the team which will be invaluable as we look to further increase our market share.

“The addition of Mark to the team means that the Allscreens Nationwide board has over 150 years of experience at board level in automotive glazing.

“It’s rare in this business to have a board composed entirely of automotive glazing people, and this helps us to understand the needs of our customers and employees, which is paramount in our success.” 

Payne added: “I’m pleased to have this opportunity to join the team at Allscreens and be part of something special. There’s a real family feel here which reminds me of my previous team.

“After 35 years building a fantastic team and the growth I have seen in my previous role, it’s exciting to be asked to replicate the success here. 

“This is a windscreen company run by windscreen people for both its customers and employees.

“Working with industry people that have grown through the automotive glazing industry certainly made my decision to join the team here an easier one.”

The Allscreens Nationwide board is also in charge of sister company Nationwide Windscreen Services (NWS).

Herd Group appoints Danielle Davison as group fleet director

Fleet Management and commercial vehicle specialists the Herd Group, has announced the appointment of Danielle Davison as group fleet director.

An expert in fleet management and a strong sales leader, Davison will be responsible for delivering Herd’s customer care programme into fleet, as she takes up her new position with the group.

Joining the board of directors, Herd said that Davison brings with her a vast amount of experience from her previous role at Venson, delivering record breaking sales results in fleet management, leasing and EVs.

Herd Group CEO Nigel Schroder said “I am extremely pleased to appoint Danielle as Herd Group fleet director – an experienced fleet management sales director with an excellent resume.

“We have invested heavily in our fleet management infrastructure and appointing Danielle at the helm of this, shows we mean business in this sector.”

He continued: “Herd Connect our brilliant fleet management solution, is a huge part of the future makeup of the Herd group and we are anticipating some significant growth in 2023 and beyond and Danielle has all the right attributes to be an outstanding success in this role.”

Davison added: “Herd’s growth in recent years has been hugely impressive and I am thrilled to be joining the company at such an exciting stage. 

“From day one I have been hugely impressed with Herd’s commitment to customer service and their market-leading fleet management solution that provides innovative, bespoke solutions to fleets of all sizes.

“All too often, comprehensive fleet management is seen as the preserve of larger fleets, however I feel passionately that such a service offering, should not be restricted to those with larger fleets.

“The Herd Connect service offering, is a game-changer for SME’s and blue chip alike and I am excited to be working with such a skilled and dedicated team in taking the business to the next level.”

Head of finance joins Wagonex as subscription service continues to scale

Wagonex has announced the appointment of Chris Gibbs as its head of finance.

In his role, Gibbs will oversee the company's financial operations and support the business during a period of rapid growth.

Wagonex offers an alternative to ownership with a monthly subscription service, in a bid to eliminate long payment plans and unexpected additional costs.

With over 10 years of experience in the finance industry, Gibbs joins Wagonex from British automotive services company RAC, where he was a senior finance business partner.

Prior to the RAC, Gibbs has held roles within the finance function at both GoCompare.com and Arcadis, along with various management roles in accounting and consulting.

His experience, combined with a deep understanding of the automotive industry will assist in driving Wagonex forward in the coming months and years, it said.

Gibbs said: “I'm thrilled to have the chance to work for a start-up that has the potential for ambitious growth and is making waves in the industry.

“After meeting the team at Wagonex, I was impressed by their positive energy and dedication. Toby has put together a fantastic group of people, and I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

“It’s fantastic to play a part in a business that is committed to contributing to the growth potential of the developing car subscription market.

“As a new member of the team, I am highly motivated to contribute to its success and will try my best to surpass our already ambitious goals.”

Wagonex recently announced the recruitment of Joel Livermore and Claude Compere to its product team and is continuing to expand due to consistent year-on-year growth.

Toby Kernon, CEO and the founder of Wagonex, said: “It's an exciting time for Wagonex as our internal team continues to grow.

“We are thrilled to introduce Chris, who has an impressive financial background, as our new head of finance.

“With his vast knowledge and experience, we are confident that Chris will lead the business towards even greater success.”

Gary Butterworth named central operations manager at ATS Euromaster

ATS Euromaster has appointed Gary Butterworth to the role of central operations manager, effective immediately.

Butterworth, who will be field-based, steps up after eight years as area operations manager for the tyre and maintenance provider, where he led up to 28 service centres across southern England.

In his new role for ATS Euromaster, reporting to the operations director, he will be the central point of contact between the company’s regional managers and head office functions, where he will be responsible for simplifying operational processes and ensuring effective working practices and relationships.

Butterworth said: "I consider it a great privilege to be entrusted to support the growth and success of our company.

“My role will forge robust connections between our hugely talented head office support functions and the highly skilled centre network.

“With a team dedicated to excellence, we will deliver enhanced communication flow, simplify processes and optimise efficiencies.

“I am wholeheartedly committed to propelling ATS Euromaster to new heights, ensuring that our vehicle maintenance business surpasses all expectations."

“We’re really excited to see Gary step up to this role,” said Mark Holland, operations director at ATS Euromaster.

“Gary is an excellent communicator and has a proven track record in facilitating efficiency changes in an often complex operational field. 

“We’re looking forward to the positive contribution he can make to the business in this more senior role.”