Industry jobs: Roles filled at SsangYong, BVRLA and Autoglass

SsangYong Motors UK has appointed Kevin Griffin as managing director.

The appointment sees Griffin assume overall responsibility for SsangYong’s UK operations on a permanent basis.

Having served as sales director for the brand, Griffin replaces Nick Laird, who moves on to become chief executive at Bassadone Automotive Group (BAG), the parent company of SsangYong Motors UK, based in Gibraltar.

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, said: “In spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have ambitious plans for the future.

“In an uncertain and difficult time, we have realigned our business in a way that will promote profitability and growth over the next three years.

“SsangYong now has an array of versatile products available in the UK market, so even in challenging times, I’m confident that SsangYong will do well with its excellent quality vehicles and value for money offering.”

Griffin has more than 40 years’ experience in the automotive industry and has held senior positions within franchised dealerships including Vauxhall, Rover, Seat, Hyundai, Suzuki, and Chevrolet.

His career has seen him focus on driving fundamental and profitable growth within the dealerships.

Jim Tyrrell, chairman at SsangYong Motors UK, said: “Kevin is the ideal person to continue the growth of SsangYong Motors UK and under his leadership I’m confident that the brand will continue to grow in both awareness and sales.”

Nick Laird, chief executive at Bassadone Automotive Group, said: “I’m delighted that Kevin succeeds me in the role of MD.

“He is well respected within the organisation and I look forward to continue working closely with him and the wider team in my new role as CEO of Bassadone Automotive Group.”

BVRLA appoints Nora Leggett as director of human resources

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has appointed Nora Leggett as its new director of human resources.

Leggett will be responsible for managing recruitment, internal communications, payroll and benefits.

She will also maintain responsibility for the association’s Learning and Development team, which delivers courses, qualifications and e-learning solutions aimed at raising standards and professionalism across the BVRLA membership.

Gerry Keaney, chief executive at the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, said: “In today’s challenging and uncertain times it is more important than ever that we are able to support our members and protect their interests.

“We can only do this effectively if the BVRLA continues to attract, recruit and develop the best staff.

“Nora has always been responsible for the association’s HR function, but this new job title reflects both the growth in the organisation and the importance we place on developing and supporting our workforce.”

Leggett has been the director of member services since 2013 and has spent more than 20 years working on behalf of the vehicle rental and leasing sector, having joined the association in 1997.

Autoglass appoints Greg Stansfield as head of sales

Autoglass has appointed Greg Stansfield as head of sales to lead the company’s commercial team.

Stansfield has been at Autoglass for over eight years and was previously sales director at sister company, Autoglass BodyRepair, which offers a mobile bodyshop repair services.

In his new role, Stansfield will be responsible for maintaining client relationships and increasing sales across both parts of the business. His appointment will allow for closer integration across the sales functions at Autoglass and Autoglass BodyRepair.

Heading up the team of commercial business managers at Autoglass, Stansfield’s role will cover both the VGRRR and body repair businesses as well as overseeing the continued development of Total Calibration – the solution, which is an addition to the company’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) recalibration proposition, provides the accident damage market with service for ADAS diagnostics, coding and recalibration.

Greg Stansfield, head of sales at Autoglass, said: “I look forward to bringing the two sales functions together to continue meeting our evolving client needs. Following the launch last year, a key focus of mine is to continue the development of our Total Calibration solution.

“Using my knowledge and experience of the body repair sector, I will support my team in delivering a bespoke service for the growing number of vehicles fitted with ADAS systems on our roads.

“Through collaborating with our outstanding technical experts, we will continue to share our expertise with our clients to increase awareness of the importance of ADAS recalibrations. I look forward to supporting the team and enhancing our ADAS offering, especially during these uncertain times.”

Stansfield has 19 years’ experience in the accident damage sector, primarily in the insurance market. He joined the metal repair industry as commercial manager for ADR Accident Repair Centres in 2007 before joining the executive team as sales director at Autoglass BodyRepair in 2012.

Stansfield played a fundamental role in developing the 1-day service proposition for Autoglass BodyRepair clients within the insurance and fleet sector, helping to grow the volume of repairs year-on-year.

Neil Atherton, sales and marketing director at Autoglass, said: “Over the past year we have expanded and developed our Total Calibration proposition and I am confident that Greg and his team will continue to work hard to promote ADAS education and awareness among our clients and within the industry.”