Senior leadership team changes at Ogilvie Fleet

Long-serving managing director of Ogilvie Fleet, Gordon Stephen, is taking on the new role of chairman of Ogilvie’s automotive businesses from today (Tuesday, July 1).

He is replaced by Ogilvie Fleet’s sales and marketing director, Nick Hardy (pictured above), who is promoted to the top job.

Hardy’s career spans four decades in fleet, with the past 18 years in the sales and marketing role.

“It’s a real honour to take on this role,” he said. “Gordon has built something truly special at Ogilvie Fleet - an organisation defined by its people, values and commitment to our customers.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to build on that legacy and guide us into the next chapter of growth and success.”

Several other senior leadership changes are being made to further strengthen plans for continued growth in the coming years.

These appointments form part of Hardy’s plan to evolve the business with a continued focus on technology, innovation, efficiency and collaboration.

Jill Stephen, previously customer services director, will move into the role of operations director and work as Hardy’s number two, taking on expanded responsibilities for more of Ogilvie’s day-to-day operational elements.

Meanwhile, Ashley Crookes, previously director of sales for the north, will replace Hardy as sales and marketing director, and Richard Jessop, who was head of salary sacrifice, will take on the expanded role of director of sales for the north.

Finally, Andy Stephen, having worked with Ogilvie for over 30 years, will become technology and systems director, delivering a new strategy which includes future artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

“I believe that our greatest strength lies in our people,” said Hardy. “The passion, creativity, and expertise they bring every day will drive us forwards.

“I’m a firm believer in the ‘one team’ approach and understand the importance of identifying each department’s needs and challenges to remain productive and efficient.”

Outgoing-MD Stephen (pictured below with Hardy) reflected on his time at Ogilvie: “I have had an incredible career with Ogilvie Fleet, and we have achieved so many great things, building the business up to what it is today.

“I’ve worked with a brilliant group of people and leave the future of the business in the extremely capable hands of Nick and his senior leadership team.”

Under Stephen’s stewardship, Ogilvie’s fleet size has grown from 750 to over 24,000 vehicles today.

As well as becoming chairman of the Ogilvie Fleet board, he will remain on the boards of Ogilvie Group, First Vehicle Leasing and Active Claims Solutions.