Industry jobs: Roles filled at Cox Automotive, Aston Barclay, Gofor and System Edström

Gofor appoints Iain Bennett as new MD

Gofor has appointed Iain Bennett as its new managing director, with the current MD and company founder, Graham Lesslie, moving to a new chief executive officer role.

Bennett has held senior roles for technology businesses - including almost a decade in senior roles at Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Lesslie will maintain responsibility for the ongoing success of the Edinburgh-based fleet management and contract hire specialist, leading the company's vision for growth, further developing the crucial funder and partner relationships and providing direction on a number of key projects.

Bennett will lead the running of the day-to-day business operations.

Lesslie said: “Iain's appointment is incredibly exciting and sets Gofor up for the next stage in our growth.

“Iain struck me as a real people-first leader who recognises the importance of delivering excellent customer experiences, which aligns with our Gofor proactive values and culture.

“I'm pleased to be able to bring in someone of his calibre who can give us a fresh perspective on achieving our strategic aims.

“I'm excited to see the contribution he can make to our team and our customers.”

Bennett added: “It's an exciting time to join Gofor, and it's come at the perfect stage of my career.

“I want to thank Graham for trusting me with the operational responsibilities which will allow him to transition to a more visionary and strategic role within the business.

“I look forward to supporting him, our customers and the whole Gofor team, in this next phase of our growth.”

Craig Bithray to lead Manheim Vehicle Services

Cox Automotive has appointed Craig Bithray as operations director for its Manheim Vehicle Services division.

He will report to Liam Quegan, managing director of Wholesale at Cox Automotive.

Quegan said: “Craig is a superb addition to our leadership team. His experience in all aspects of the vehicle refurbishment journey is second to none and I know he will play an instrumental role in continuing the fast-paced development of our MVS business.”

Bithray has a wealth of experience in the vehicle services sector and is a specialist in large scale defleet and refurbishment operations.

He has established and led vehicle services operations for automotive businesses including BCA, Paragon Automotive, Nationwide Crash Repairs and Inchcape.

He said: “Manheim Vehicle Services is a force to be reckoned within the defleet and refurbishment sector and Cox Automotive’s commitment in building a sustainable, trusted and high-quality vehicle services business is clear to see. I’m excited at the opportunity ahead of us.”

Aston Barclay appoints new group EV Lead

Aston Barclay has appointed its first ever EV lead to help support the auction company and its customers on their individual journeys to net zero.

Albert Parnell joins Aston Barclay after spending five years at Tesla, where he was initially a product specialist before becoming store manager at Tesla Chelmsford.  Prior to that, he worked for Apple.

He will be on site for every electric vehicle (EV) sale, ready to support buyers with any questions they, or their customers, may have. 

He will also be facilitating training for Aston Barclay’s auction staff, with more than 160 expected to be IMI Level 1 trained by the end of 2023.

“I am excited to join Aston Barclay as it embarks on its own journey to become the most trusted EV remarketing partner,” said Parnell.

“The EV sector is constantly changing, and my job will be to use my knowledge and contacts to keep colleagues and customers one step ahead of the game.”

System Edström appoints UK sales manager for wholesale

System Edström has appointed Chris Angel as its first UK sales manager for wholesale.

The new role is an essential component of the recent management team restructure, which has been designed to build on the growth System Edström has achieved in the UK over the past three years.

Angel previously worked at Van Guard, where he spent nine years as national sales manager and head of sales. He also has experience as an area sales manager in the building supplies trade.

The role focuses on managing and developing System Edström’s expanding wholesale channel.

“My job will be to work closely with dealer partners and distributors, maintaining those relationships and developing core business,” he said.

System Edström commercial director David Sawford added: “The appointment of Chris demonstrates our commitment to building the future of our business.

“We work with superb dealers and installers across the UK. Bringing Chris into this role allows us to leverage his experience and enthusiasm to manage those relationships as they continue to grow. This gives us the team we need to make the most of the opportunities the industry presents.”