Industry jobs: Roles filled at Zenith, Fleet Assist, Abax, Oasis Motor Finance, AX, and System Edström

Fleet Assist strengths SMR proposition with new appointment

Nigel Ward has been appointed to Fleet Assist’s team of special project managers.

The appointment comes as the company launches a new service, maintenance and repair (SMR) proposition as part of its supply chain management to cater for the growing number of new OEM brands set to launch in the UK over the coming 24 months.

Fleet Assist’s new proposition includes assisting OEMs appoint and manage their aftersales SMR network, setting up and running an online work booking service for drivers and incorporating work direction coupled with ethical authorisation to control maintenance spend.

The OEMs, which are predominantly Chinese and 100% electric, require a garage network already in place to support their aftersales network, or as they develop their own in preparation for when they start selling new models to UK fleets and consumers.

With a network of over 5,000 garages, over 86% of which are ‘EV ready’, Fleet Assist says it is well placed to set up and manage all elements of their SMR needs.

Ward will manage the rollout of these services to the new OEMs and ensure the Fleet Assist network is best placed to service its existing customers.

He has held several positions within the fleet, leasing, and motor finance industry over more than 30 years including operations manager for Peugeot Contract Hire, national sales manager for Free2Move Lease and head of corporate sales south for Groupe PSA.

He said: “Many of the new EV brands planning to launch here in the next 24 months are on a voyage of discovery as they arrive in the UK market.

“The UK boasts one of the most mature markets in the world and our aim is to use our two decades of SMR expertise to help and support their launch plans. This includes ensuring drivers are looked after once they get behind the wheel of their new car.”

Coupled with this announcement Grant Thornton’s automotive section headed by Owen Edwards announced it has agreed to collaborate with Fleet Assist on this project.

This will allow Grant Thornton to provide OEMs with a holistic view of the marketplace coupled with Fleet Assist which has the breadth of network in terms of size and capabilities.

Zenith strengthens strategic team with appointment of Ian Waspe

Zenith has further bolstered its growing team, hiring Ian Waspe as its head of manufacturer and dealer relationships. 

The role will see Waspe build on Zenith’s existing vehicle manufacturer and dealer relationships, both from a strategic and tactical perspective, with specific importance to Zenith’s multiple channel strategy across its corporate and consumer divisions.

He joins Zenith from the BMW Group, where he spent 15 years in a number of roles, including area manager and more recently, national leasing manager.

He said: “It’s a huge move for me personally – especially after spending a significant time at BMW – but I’m excited to join Zenith as it continues through its high-performing, natural growth period.

“I’m blown away by the company’s ambitions and the emphasis it places on ideas and creativity, and it gives me a real opportunity to shape this new role.

“I look forward to being the first port of call to key stakeholders and help make a difference to Zenith, vehicle manufacturers and dealer group partners alike.”

Tim Buchan, CEO at Zenith, added: “As a business, we’re aware of how critical manufacturer and dealer partnerships are, and while we’re fortunate to have great relationships today, we’re always trying to do more.

“Ian’s appointment does just that and allows us to make the next natural step, given the reach of Zenith across multiple car and LCV channels, corporate to consumer.

“I wish Ian every success in his new role at Zenith.”

Experienced SaaS executive Emma Dyga joins Abax as CEO

Abax has announced the appointment of Emma Dyga as its new chief executive officer.

Dyga, an experienced leader in software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, will take up the role from October 1 and lead Abax into its next phase of growth.

Founded in 2003, the company has grown to become one of Europe's largest mobility data companies, building a future, it says, where mobility data serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and transformation.

Dyga joins Abax from her previous role as chief operating officer at Stockholm-based MarTech and e-commerce solutions provider QNTM Group, where she helped scale the company and develop its operations.

Prior to this, she served as CEO of Apsis, a digital marketing software provider.

Abax board chair, Nick Day, said: “We are excited to have Emma joining Abax as CEO, to lead the company in this next phase of acceleration.

“Emma’s proven software and technology experience brings incredible opportunities to Abax’s development and growth plans, as it builds on its leadership in sustainable mobility technology.”

He also thanked outgoing CEO Morten Strand for his dedication and announced that he will assume the position of vice chairman of the board, focusing on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and strategic partnerships.

Dyga added: “As mobility demands pivot to meet macro realities, Abax’s software platform will enable companies to deliver on sustainability goals as well as leverage risk reductions and operational efficiencies.

“I look forward to partnering with the Abax team, with their extensive experience in building a transformative software company, as we serve our growing customer and strategic partner base.”

Dan Cripps appointed director of fleet and logistics at AX

Dan Cripps has been appointed as AX’s new director of fleet and logistics, having spent 20 years in fleet management, including 15 years at Mitie, four years at Addison Lee and just short of three years at Amazon.

In previous fleet positions, he has been responsible for overseeing several crucial fleet operations such as accident management, daily rental supply chain, supplier management, and vehicle logistics.

With experience operating fleets as large as 7,000 vehicles, AX says that he is a driven fleet specialist with a track record of building strategic partnerships and delivering operational improvements and efficiency; a skillset he will bring to his position at AX.

Cripps said: “I’m delighted to join AX at a time of growth, across all areas of the business.

“There are great opportunities to develop existing fleet relationships and introduce new partnerships as we push to improve our operation, source vehicles to lower emissions, and delight our clients.

“I join a fantastic leadership team and inherit a group of hugely experienced and passionate fleet and logistics professionals.”

Spearheading the AX fleet and logistics team, he will also develop strategic supply relationships overseeing the roll-out of more electric vehicles (EVs) into the fleet as demand from businesses and consumers continues to increase.

Daf Trucks retail parts sales director to join the dealer network

Adams Morey has announced the appointment of Scott Cocks as their new dealer principal for the south-west region.

Part of the Greenhous Group, it is one of the largest Daf dealer groups in the country with 10 locations throughout the South and south-west of England.

In his new role, Cocks will be responsible for Adams Morey’s four sites in Taunton, Saltash, Camborne and Newton Abbot.

Kevin Swinnerton, Greenhous Group managing director for the truck division, said: “Scott is already very well known to colleagues and customers alike having worked in the Daf-world for the majority of his career.

“I am excited to see what his impressive track record will bring to the Adams Morey organisation.”

Cocks began his career in the south-west in 2001 as a Daf apprentice HGV technician, winning the coveted apprentice of the year award twice and becoming one of the first Daf technicians in the UK to achieve master technician status.

He moved to Daf Trucks UK in 2011 where he has held roles including fleet support engineer, sales manager, parts sales manager and most recently retail parts sales director.

He said: “This move comes at a great time where we have an excellent new generation product to offer, backed up by a market leading parts supply and with an unrivalled service and backup – all made possible through our people and a strong focus on the customer experience.”

Cocks began his new role at Adams Morey from October 2.

System Edström appoints new UK sales manager for conversions

Van racking supplier System Edström has appointed James Cosgrove as its new UK sales manager responsible for the conversions sector.

He has been with the company for almost seven years, during which he has served as area sales manager, covering most of the regions in the UK at various times.

Previously, he spent 12 years working in the metrology industry for Mettler Toledo.

His new role will see him head up sales for the company across the UK, leading a team of five area sales managers.

He will be primarily responsible for the growth of the direct conversions side of the business, driving the throughput of fleet conversions at the company’s workshop in Corby, Northamptonshire.

“My priorities are to support the sales team in achieving their goals, focus on continuing to build strong relationships with our lease partners and making a sustained effort to raise our brand position within the industry,” he said.

“We have a great product, a trusted brand and, most importantly, a strong team that is customer focused.

“These are very exciting times for the business as we maintain strong organic growth supported by an ever-expanding professional team and continued owner investment. It’s genuinely great to be a part of the journey.”

Commercial director David Sawford added: “We are delighted to be able to appoint James as our new UK Sales Manager for conversions.

“This new role will be essential as we look to continue our growth over the coming years.

“System Edström has gone from strength to strength, with sales increasing year on year, and we are confident this trend will continue under James.”

Chippendale to lead ambitious growth strategy at Oasis Motor Finance

Dan Chippendale has been appointed as operations director for Oasis Motor Finance, the finance arm of the wider Hippo Motor Group.

The appointment comes at an exciting time of growth and change for Oasis, which has recently added a brokerage service to the business.

A financial controller with almost 20 years’ experience working in the regulated financial services industry, Chippendale is looking forward to leading the business’s ambitious future growth strategy.

He said: “I am delighted to head up Oasis Motor Finance as the business seeks to scale up its delivery of industry leading and innovative funding products to a growing consumer and contract hire finance market.

“The new brokerage is an exciting expansion in our services and means we are also seeking new staff to join the team.”

Chippendale has been with Hippo since 2016, joining the business as financial controller, and later becoming head of finance for the group of companies.