Industry jobs: Roles filled at Europcar, JCT600 VLS, Select Car Leasing, CPD, Leasing Options and PayByPhone

New commercial director to drive JCT600 VLS’ strategy forward

JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions (VLS), has appointed Manjinder (Manny) Singh as commercial director in a newly created role to help drive its customer-focused business strategy forward. 

Singh has extensive knowledge of the complex marketplace with more than 18 years’ experience in the automotive sector working for Zenith and ZenAuto in various commercial and management roles.

Working closely with senior management at JCT600 VLS, he will be responsible for enhancing the business’ approach to managing vehicle pricing and risk. 

Ben Creswick, managing director of JCT600 VLS, said: “As a customer-orientated business, we are passionate about constantly evolving and improving our service, solutions, and processes to ensure we can deliver on our promises to customers. 

“Manny’s appointment will complement our approach by helping to build upon and continue to develop our people-first culture already in place at VLS.

“We’re delighted to have Manny on board with us as we navigate the complex marketplace and continue to focus on delivering an industry-leading service for customers.” 

Singh added: “By leveraging almost two decades of industry experience, I aim to ensure VLS continues to provide competitive, high-quality solutions and solidify its position in an evolving marketplace.”

Two senior appointments at Europcar

Europcar Mobility Group has made two key appointments to its UK & Ireland leadership team. 

Mark Newberry (pictured above) has been appointed to the newly created role of transformation and strategy director at Europcar Mobility Group, having been commercial director for the business.

Paul McNeice (pictured below) is taking over as commercial director for the UK and Ireland alongside his existing role as head of country for Ireland.

As Europcar commercial director for the UK and Ireland for more than two years, Newberry brings a deep knowledge of the business and commercial landscape to his new role. 

He will now focus on critical transformation projects, supporting the development of the business’ strategic direction.

McNeice joined the Europcar Ireland Commercial team in 2018, and has led the company’s customer experience and innovation teams as well as driving sales activity. 

His previous experience with corporates and blue-chip brands, including Coca-Cola in both the UK and Irish markets.

“There are some big challenges ahead in the mobility space for our customers, from adjusting to the new hybrid working model to transitioning to ever-more sustainable transport solutions”, explained Gary Smith, managing director of Europcar Mobility Group UK and Ireland.

“It’s critical, therefore, that we remain focused on delivering solutions that are both innovative and fit for purpose. 

“I am confident that these new appointments to our leadership team will further bolster our ability to support businesses and individuals as they aim to reduce their impact on the environment.”

Select Car Leasing names Shane Pither as new head of Select Electric 

Select Car Leasing is aiming to re-energise its electric vehicle (EV) leasing division with the appointment of Shane Pither as new head of Select Electric. 

The new role will focus on all aspects of the electric car and van journey, equipping customers with crucial information about charging and energy solutions as well as how to choose the most suitable EV in the first instance.

Pither, formerly head of automotive innovation at Select, will also seek to build strong relationships with key automotive and energy industry partners in order to enhance the firm’s overall EV offering.

He said: “It’s a multi-faceted role, ensuring our teams are equipped with the knowledge and tools required to confidently guide customers in their transition to EVs, while working with our industry partners to expand and enhance our entire EV offering, which includes battery storage and charging solutions.”

Mark Tongue, Joint CEO and founder of Select Car Leasing, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Shane Pither to the role of head of Select Electric. 

“This is a crucial position that will support our electric vehicle strategy within the commercial and sales departments while also growing and developing relationships with our partners, including funders. 

“Shane is a true expert in the field and who will use his considerable EV knowledge to help further our Select Electric agenda and goals.”

Leasing Options welcomes new group finance director

Leasing Options has announced the appointment of Laura Woodward as group finance director. 

In her new role, she will oversee the finance department and play a pivotal role in leading strategic financial planning for the business. 

Initially she will be working with the CFO and team on system improvements and future proofing. 

Woodward’s involvement also includes supporting the staff, HR compliance and adding support to the compliance function to further strengthen Leasing Options' operational framework. 

She said: “The opportunity to join such a forward-thinking and dynamic company at a time of significant growth was incredibly appealing. I’m excited to contribute to its continued success and to work alongside such a talented team to help shape the next phase of its journey.”

Karin Butschok, chief finance officer, said: “Laura’s appointment aligns with our aims to implement new policies and procedures where necessary, ensuring robust financial practices that will support the company’s continued growth. I look forward to adding her experience and knowledge to the finance function.”

CPD extends leadership team with new head of sales

Commercial vehicle converter, CPD, has announced the appointment of Stephen Turner as head of sales. 

Turner brings with him more than 40 years of experience in the light commercial vehicle industry, having previously held many senior leadership roles most recently, at Bott UK, including UK director of strategy for the vehicle enhancement division.

With a proven track record of driving business development, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding into emerging markets, he will lead CPD’s sales team in delivering innovative, customer focused solutions. 

His knowledge and expertise covers all aspects of the light commercial vehicle sector, with a particular focus on shaping ESG policies, advancing EV and alternative fuel strategies, and achieving sustainable growth.

Cathal Doocey, managing director of CPD, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Stephen’s calibre and experience join CPD. His industry expertise, strategic insight, and passion for vehicle conversions align perfectly with our mission to deliver best-in-class solutions to our customers. 

“Stephen’s leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our position in the market and create new opportunities for CPD.”

Turner added: “I’m excited to join CPD at such a pivotal moment in its journey. I look forward to working with the team in delivering exceptional value to our customers and driving innovation in the commercial vehicle sector.”

PayByPhone appoints first chief operating officer

PayByPhone has announced the appointment of Anthony Cashel as chief operating officer, a newly created role, effective January 1, 2025. 

The move comes as the company separates its commercial and operational functions. In line with this, Cashel’s new role sees him responsible globally for marketing, implementations, technical operations, client and customer support, and partnerships.

Jonny Combe, PayByPhone chief executive officer, said: “Creating a chief operating officer role fully underpins our restructure as we separate commercial and operational functions.

“Anthony's deep understanding of the commercial side of our business, coupled with his strengths in partnerships and process optimisation make him ideally suited for the role. 

“I am already looking forward to seeing the positive impact he and the teams reporting into him will achieve.” 

Cashel added: “I am delighted to be taking on this newly created role and am already looking at how we can optimise our operational excellence, enhance our processes and build new partnerships so that we can be future-fit as we continue to grow.”

Cashel, who has been chief client officer since 2022, will continue to sit on the PayByPhone management board and report to Combe.

The commercial business, led by PayByPhone’s three regional managing directors, including the UK Managing Director Adam Dolphin, will be headed up by Combe.