Industry jobs: Roles filled at Kwik Fit, BP Rolls Group, Epyx and DMN Group

Kwik Fit appoints Dan Joyce as Paul Boulton replacement

Kwik Fit has named Dan Joyce to succeed Paul Boulton as retail operations director after he announced he was retiring after over 43 years with the organisation.

As retail operations director, Joyce will be responsible for the running of around 700 centres under both the Kwik Fit and STS Tyre Pros brands, and will also retain the responsibility for Kwik Fit fleet.

Boulton joined Kwik Fit in 1980 as a tyre technician in its Warrington centre, before being promoted to managerial roles and then to divisional director. 

He was appointed retail sales and operations director in 1999 and has successfully led the company’s operations through various changes in ownership, times of economic and industry uncertainty, as well as the unprecedented operational challenges of the pandemic. 

Since the company was acquired by Itochu in 2011, he has overseen a period of major investment in the centre network, with a rolling refurbishment programme and new locations and centre teams being regularly added.

Mark Slade, managing director at Kwik Fit, said: “We believe that Kwik Fit is in its strongest position ever and this is in no small part to Paul’s passion, drive and leadership skills over so many years. 

“Paul’s is a truly fantastic story - from joining the business on the workshop floor to leading the entire centre network. 

“He has poured his heart and soul into the company, and he leaves for a well-deserved retirement knowing that his huge contribution is fully recognised by everyone at Kwik Fit.”

Boulton added: “Although I’ve been working with Mark and Dan on our succession plan since last year, it was still a very emotional moment for me when we went public with the news.  I was a little overwhelmed by the response and am incredibly grateful for the messages of congratulations I’ve received. 

“I’ve had a wonderful career at Kwik Fit, it has given me opportunities I could never have imagined when I joined as a tyre fitter over 40 years ago.”

Joyce joined as an apprentice in south Wales in 2002. He rapidly progressed to centre manager and more senior roles in centre operations before moving to the fleet team, becoming fleet director in 2020. 

In addition to his Kwik Fit training and development, while a centre manager Joyce also achieved a first-class degree in Business Management at the University of South Wales.

Slade said: “It’s testament to the strength of the talent we have within the business that we’ve been able to plan a seamless transition. 

“Dan has been working alongside Paul for a number of months in preparation for the handover and I’m very excited about Dan leading the operations as we embark on the next phase of Kwik Fit’s growth.”

Joyce added: “As someone who, like Paul, began their Kwik Fit career on first rung of the ladder, I’ve always been inspired by his example and I’m honoured to be taking over from him as retail operations director.”

DMN Group appoints interim MD and account director

DMN Group has appointed James Hopkins, founder of Kendall One Consulting, as the interim MD and Maria Avery, former commercial director at City Auction Group as account director at their recently launched Rapid Logistics division.

Hopkins will also join the DMN Group board.

Within this role, he will offer independent new and used car automotive supply chain advice, support and guidance.

His previous roles included director of strategic development at BCA, MD at BCA Fleet Solutions and operations director and head of remarketing, LeasePlan.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Group, said: “James has extensive experience in the automotive industry, with excellent skills in building strategic partnerships and has proven time and time again to be a driving force of growth and development, within his previous roles. He is an asset to the company and will undoubtedly help build the rapid logistics operation.”

In her new role, Avery (pictured below) will take on the operational leadership of a new logistics division, account managing public sector authority and outsourced fleet management companies.

Past roles include, commercial director at City Auction Group; head of business at Tesla and sales manager roles at Norton Way Mazda, Sytner Mercedes Benz and Marshalls Toyota.

Chadaway added: “Maria has an extensive background in the motor industry. Her experience in leadership within a fast-paced, demanding environment makes her the ideal person for this position.”

Danielle Webb appointed as key account manager at Epyx

Danielle Webb has been appointed as key account manager at Epyx, responsible for handling relationships with the company’s major clients.

Reporting to business development director Marc Lees, she will work on areas including strategic planning, communication and collaboration, performance analysis, and account growth and retention. 

She joins from dealer group TrustFord where she held a variety of positions, most recently being sales manager of its fleet aftersales operation.

She said: “Epyx has a reputation for great account management and I’m very much looking forward to getting to know the major fleets with which I’ll be working, helping them to use our technology to meet their business objectives.

“I’m especially looking forward to rolling out our innovative online company car and van driver service booking tool, as well working on our core strengths of helping to align fleet needs for cost control and nationwide capability to our service, maintenance and repair network solution.”

Lees added: “At Epyx, we very much place our account management at the heart of the business. It’s crucial to ensuring that customers get the most out of our products, and that we develop and innovate to meet their changing needs.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Danielle to the business and are sure she will soon prove to be an invaluable member of our team.”

BP Rolls Group appoints Jamie Sopp

BP Rolls Group has appointed Jamie Sopp as its new operational and procurement director.

As the co-founder of Sopp & Sopp, he has spearheaded cutting-edge solutions in accident management and fleet services, says BP Rolls Group

In his newly created role, he assumes responsibility for operations and procurement within the senior management team.

David Rolls, owner and group chairman, said: “Jamie’s remarkable experience and industry knowledge make him an invaluable addition to our team.

“We are thrilled to welcome talent of Jamie's calibre and eagerly anticipate the substantial contributions he will make to our Group's success.”

Commenting on his new role, Sopp expressed his excitement about joining BP Rolls Group and emphasised his commitment to advancing the group's mission and supporting its continued growth and leadership in the industry.