Industry jobs: Roles filled at Axa, IMI, Nixon Hire, Vertullus, Tyron Runflat, Fixico and Fellten

Axa Commercial appoints new commercial motor technical risk manager

Axa Commercial has appointed Mark Sutcliffe as commercial motor technical risk manager to support fleets managing risk and developing strategies for running safer transport operations.

Sutcliffe brings with him a wealth of transport industry experience in both management and operations, especially with large commercial fleets. 

His previous roles include head of transport for the Co-op and group transport manager for Warburtons.

He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and sits on the Logistics UK Road Freight Council, which he previously chaired.

Dougie Barnett, director of Axa Commercial customer risk management and sustainability, said: “Mark’s experience in the commercial transport sector will be a huge asset and we look forward to our customers benefitting from his expertise in large-scale fleet management. 

“His appointment reflects our commitment to investing in our customers and our focus on prevention and protection. Mark’s in-depth knowledge of the risks associated with running big fleet operations will be invaluable.”  

Sutcliffe added: “In previous roles I’ve been responsible for managing fleets and liaising with insurers so I understand the challenges customers are facing and can bring a fresh perspective to the team.” 

Vertellus enhances senior team to deliver ‘contract hire with a difference’

Vertellus, the OEM-backed full-service commercial vehicle contract hire company, has strengthened its leadership team with two key appointments.

The expanded Vertellus team includes the addition of Nick Parker as business development director and Rhian Burrell as head of marketing, joining Ian Seager, sales and business development director, and Nigel Baxter, managing director. 

Backed by Renault Trucks and its dealer network, Vertellus offers access to 3,500 trucks on contract hire across the UK.

Parker brings almost 20 years of commercial vehicle industry experience to his role as business development director. 

Having previously worked with leading firms such as Hexagon Leasing, NRG Riverside, and Ryder, he is now focused on driving business growth through sustainable lease and contract hire at Vertellus, optimising service delivery, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

He said: “My success in this area is largely due to my ability to build trusted relationships with key stakeholders where I can successfully differentiate myself and Vertellus from the competition.”

Burrell brings more than 14 years of both brand and agency marketing experience, with a particular passion for the automotive sector. 

She already has an in-depth understanding of the Vertellus brand, having played a key role in its original creation and launch in 2022, while running her own marketing consultancy.

She said: “My focus is on using strategic marketing to bring everything together, helping the business grow, creating real commercial impact, and making sure we’re crystal clear on what makes Vertellus different.”

Baxter added: “I am delighted to welcome Nick and Rhian to the Vertellus team. Their valuable industry experience will be instrumental as we continue expanding our contract hire offering across the UK. 

“Having been involved with Vertellus since its inception, I am incredibly proud of our progress so far. With Nick and Rhian on board, I am confident we will accelerate our growth even further in the months and years ahead.”

Nixon Hire names Richard Laker as new CFO

Nixon Hire has appointed Richard Laker as the company’s new chief financial officer (CFO), following its strategic transition to Experts in Sustainable Sites (EiSS) in Q4 2024.

Laker brings financial leadership experience, including in the equipment hire and services sector. He served in various finance roles in Northgate over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014.

During his tenure as finance director (UK & Republic of Ireland), he led a 140-strong finance team and oversaw biannual revenues of around £400 million. 

He joins Nixon Hire from Kalibrate, a global data analytics company, where he had been CFO since May 2021. 

His appointment follows John Hudson’s decision to step down as CFO to explore new professional opportunities after a successful tenure at the company. 

Graham Nixon, CEO of Nixon Hire, commented: “Richard brings a wealth of relevant experience to Nixon Hire and we are excited to have someone of his calibre on board. 

“We are making great strides with the introduction of EiSS (Experts in Sustainable Sites), and I have no doubt his strategic input and extensive background in managing ambitious growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand. 

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank John for his dedication and contribution to Nixon Hire since 2022 and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.” 

Laker added: “Nixon Hire’s recent strategic repositioning aims to set the standard for customers seeking expert guidance in sustainable and technical site solutions. 

“I believe this will drive increased nationwide demand, fuelling long-term growth. The company has a clear vision and I am thrilled to be joining at such a pivotal time.”

Dr Andy Palmer joins Fellten as non-executive chair 

Dr Andy Palmer has joined Fellten as non-executive chairman as the business looks to deploy its Charge Qube battery systems across the UK and then the globe. 

Unlike conventional energy storage systems, the Bristol-built Charge Qube uses repurposed, sustainable, second-life batteries housed in standardised, stackable shipping containers that can be deployed to exact requirements. 

Palmer said: “The key for me is the fact that Fellten’s Charge Qube use second-life batteries to build these systems, this is essential in the urgent race to decarbonise society and move to a renewable energy powered society. 

“This is an exciting moment in the company’s journey to be joining, and I look forward to assisting with its growth.”

Chris Hazell, CEO of Fellten, added: “It is a real win for Fellten to have Andy join as non-exec chairman. 

“He is a well-known and respected industry leader and battery expert, and already sits on the boards of excellent battery companies. 

“We believe Andy’s expertise will help take the Charge Qube product line to the next level.”

Former Volkswagen board member joins Fixico supervisory board

Fixico has announced that Imelda Labbé has joined its supervisory board.

Labbé has over three decades of leadership experience in the automotive and mobility sectors. 

She currently serves as president of the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) and chairwoman of the supervisory board at Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT).

Until last year, she was a board member at Volkswagen Group, Porsche and Europcar Mobility Group. 

Before that, she held senior leadership roles at renowned automotive brands such as Opel, Škoda and General Motors Europe, where she played key roles in driving transformation and operational excellence across international markets.

With a deep understanding of industry dynamics and an extensive network, she is well-positioned to support Fixico in scaling its digital car repair management platform and strengthening partnerships across Europe. 

As Fixico enters its next phase of growth, her strategic insights will help enhance repair management efficiency and elevate the service experience for fleet businesses.

“By combining a smart data-driven platform with a diverse and specialized network, Fixico is shaping the future of car repair while creating service business opportunities for repairer networks across all brands” said Labbé.

Derk Roodhuyzen de Vries, CEO and co-founder of Fixico, added: “We are honoured to welcome Imelda Labbé to our supervisory board. 

“Her extensive expertise in leading large enterprise businesses, combined with her track record in aftersales innovation and digital transformation, will be invaluable as we continue our growth trajectory in the aftersales space and further strengthen our position as the preferred repair management partner for Europe’s biggest fleet operators.”

IMI interim executive chair to step down and interim CEO appointed 

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced that Kevin Finn, interim executive chair of the board, will be stepping down from his role, effective from March 31. 

The IMI’s board of directors has appointed Sarah Sillars as its interim CEO, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership as the company continues its search for a permanent CEO.

Finn has served on the IMI board for more than five years, as chair from January 2020-July 2024, and interim executive chair from August 2024. 

“It has been an honour to serve as chair and more recently interim executive chair of the IMI, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Finn. 

“I am confident that Sarah Sillars and the entire leadership team will continue to drive the organisation forward and uphold our commitment to excellence.”

Sillars was CEO of the IMI between 2002-2009, and subsequently executive chair. She is currently a vice president.

She has served as non-executive director for both Remit Training and Citygate Automotive, as well as maximising her wealth of sector experience by acting as a skills champion and ambassador for other organisations.  

“We are grateful for Kevin’s contribution to the IMI,” said Jim Saker, IMI president and emeritus professor of Loughborough University. 

“As we move forward, we are confident in Sarah’s ability to guide the organisation and maintain our focus on delivering value to our members, centres and the wider automotive sector.”

The IMI Board will continue its formal search process for a permanent CEO and executive team, as well as recruitment for several non-executive director vacancies. 

Tyron Runflat boosts team with specialist hire 

Tyron Runflat has appointed experienced logistics and administration operative, Beata Sleightholme. 

Following the recent expansion of its purpose-built manufacturing and testing facility in Pattaya, south of Bangkok in Thailand, the Leicestershire-headquartered business is taking steps to prioritise its team investment and facilitate growing demand for the Tyron product. 

Sleightholme brings with her a decade of experience in the logistics industry. She said: “I’ve worked across European logistics, air freight and road freight which means I have intricate knowledge of the industry. 

“Whether it is finding faster and more cost-effective transport routes or assisting with day-to-day administrative processes, I look forward to supporting Tyron’s success.”

Peter Simson, director at Tyron Runflat, added: “We’re thrilled to have Beata join our team, bringing specialist knowledge of the logistics industry with her. 

“For us, it’s key our team members are driven, adaptable and knowledgeable so Beata has been the perfect fit. 

“In this operational role, we were really looking for someone with in-depth industry experience, who could support us in driving our business forward and maintaining the impressive growth we have achieved in recent years.

“Beata has integrated seamlessly into our team and continues to go above and beyond to fulfil her role. We have great hopes for her future as we look forward – positively contributing to Tyron’s long-term growth and goals but also bringing new and innovative solutions to our team.”

Tyron’s products are supplied throughout the world - for the police force, fire and ambulance services across the UK to military armoured vehicles, civilian cars and commercial vehicles.