THE ex-chief executive of National Car Auctions, Ron Leader, has joined former rival British Car Auctions to head its Dutch and Belgian operations. BCA Autoveiling's appointment of Leader as managing director comes almost a year to the day since Independent Car Auctions acquired National Car Auctions.

Leader takes over as managing director from Gert van Vliet who is retiring this year, but he will work with Leader to ensure a smooth handover. Tom Gibson, BCA's chairman and chief executive, said: 'It is extremely pleasing for us to announce the appointment of a senior executive of Leader's calibre in this crucial development role for our business in Europe.'