New head of product planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) has appointed John Ricardo-Neto as its new head of product planning.

Ricardo-Neto has more than a decade of experience working within the Volkswagen Group.

He has previously worked in product planning and sales roles across Audi UK and VWCV.

He also played a pivotal role in the development and deployment of the Group’s ‘Mobility 2.0’ objective in partnership with Volkswagen Financial Services.

Cian O’Brien, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “John’s expertise and experience is critical to the continued success of this role within the business.

“With a focus on supporting our ‘Delivering Tomorrow’ plan, which includes new products such as the next-generation California, John and his team will play a pivotal role in our transition to a leaner, digitised business, fit for the future.”

Ricardo-Neto takes over the role from September 4, as head of product planning from Tom Macintyre, who is transitioning to the role of head of direct sales for VWCV. 

Nick Williams from Lloyds Banking Group joins the FLA Board

The Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) has appointed Nick Williams, managing director of the transport business at Lloyds Banking Group, to the FLA board.

Stephen Haddrill, director general of the FLA, said: “I am delighted to have Nick join our board. His expertise and insights will be much valued, particularly on the evolving role of technology within the industry.”

Williams added: “Joining the FLA board at this time means embracing technological innovation and sustainability in the sector, while navigating a complex regulatory environment, and evolving consumer preferences.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience across Lloyds Banking Group transport businesses – Black Horse, Lex Autolease and Tusker – to drive long-term positive changes in the industry.”

Believ announces Guy Bartlett as new CEO

Charge point operator Believe has appointed Guy Bartlett as its new CEO. 

He joins from infrastructure and solutions provider SMS, where he led the Energy Services division, focusing on developing strategy, new markets, technology and services.

Prior to SMS he held various leadership roles at Deloitte, Smiths Engineering Group and Arthur D Little. 

Jonathan Pearson, chair of Believe, said: “Guy’s proven abilities and passion for the energy sector will be key to accelerating the growth of the business as a charge point operator capable of delivering an end-to-end charge point service at scale and pace to address the Government’s ambition of installing 300,000 publicly-accessible charge points by 2030.”

Bartlett will formally take over the role from interim CEO Perran Moon on September 15. 

Carl Williams to head up Michelin’s technical team

Carl Williams has been appointed customer engineering support team manager in the UK and Republic of Ireland for Michelin Tyre.

He will take over from Rob Blurton, who is set to retire from Michelin at the end of September after 44 years with the business – much of it supporting truck and bus fleet customers.

Williams, himself a Michelin veteran of 36 years, moves into the role after nearly three years as a Beyond Road regional sales manager.

He originally joined Michelin in 1987 on a youth training scheme modern apprenticeship, developing his career to take on roles including regional fleet account manager, external training instructor and training centre manager.

During his time with the training department, he even spent a fortnight on secondment with international development organisation Transaid in Tanzania.

This saw him working with professional driver trainers within the truck and bus sector to highlight how better tyres mean safer roads, and safer roads mean fewer casualties.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead, and the opportunity to work with our technical managers across all areas of the business, from two-wheel and four-wheel B2C, to our on-road and off-road B2B fleets.

“In many ways, this is my dream job within Michelin. I get to support all product lines, lead a fantastic team, and put my three and a half decades of experience with the company to best use.”

Autorola appoints Dean Merritt as Indicata’s new head of sales

Autorola UK has appointed Dean Merritt as the new head of sales for its Indicata used car insights brand.

Merritt has worked for the company since 2019 in both a business development and European training role.

“It’s an exciting time for the Indicata brand in the UK as the used car industry remains very buoyant and front of mind with dealers,” explained Merritt.

“We continue to invest in the Indicata online platform which identifies every make, model, and specification of used car.”

Indicata has recently expanded its team with four customer success managers who work with dealer groups to ensure they get the most out of the online platform.

Merritt’s appointment and the team’s expansion coincides with Autorola’s ambition to double the size of its UK business over the next three years.

Toyota talent manager appointed by Autotech Academy

Stepping up its collaboration with Toyota, Autotech Academy has announced the appointment of Terrell Lloyd-Conlon as Toyota talent manager.

Positioned within Autotech Group’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, he will spearhead the recently launched Toyota Talent Powered by Autotech Academy initiative which is set to see 100 young people secure an automotive career within six months.

Launched to support the motor company’s people strategy and ambition to increase the number of vehicle technicians working across its network, the initiative will be rolled out by Terrell to the 240 Toyota and Lexus retailers located across the UK.

He joins Autotech Academy from Evans Halshaw Ford, Bedford where he held the position of a senior technician after joining the company as an apprentice at 17.

He said: “Through my experience of being an apprentice, I can empathise with young people looking to enter the automotive industry and support the transition from education to employment.

“Despite the implementation of several initiatives to bring a new generation of talent into the business, I witnessed a lack of young people joining Evans Halshaw, Ford and witnessed the challenges which have arisen as a result of the skills shortage.

“During my time with them, I mentored a couple of young people on work experience so I understand the need for supporting the transition from education to full time employment and can empathise with both the intern and the employer.”