Industry jobs: Roles filled at Synergy, Fleet Check, Logistics UK, Jolt and Coolkit

Synergy appoints new finance director as it targets growth

Synergy has appointed Adam Whiteley as finance director as the company targets further growth in the sector.

Whiteley has spent the past 20 years working in finance in the chemical and automotive sectors and aims to use his knowledge of the motoring industry to create new opportunities for the business.

His appointment comes as Synergy prepares to expand its van leasing service and launch a self-serve online portal that will help SMEs implement and administer electric and hybrid car salary sacrifice schemes more easily.

He said: “I couldn’t be more excited to join Synergy as there are so many opportunities we can grasp and areas we can work on that will help the company continue to grow. “Throughout my career, I have sought out the chance to build new skills and develop. This is my first finance director role, and I am looking forward to using everything I have learned to help support Synergy at this exciting time.”

Synergy MD, Will Voisey, added: “I am pleased to welcome Adam to Synergy. His knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for the role and the automotive industry are brilliant and exactly what we were looking for when recruiting for the role.

“Adam’s background and expertise will help open up new avenues for the company while we continue to deliver excellent customer service and help businesses of all sizes with their vehicle leasing needs. I am confident that he will play a central role in our continued success.”

Synergy was founded in 2006 and sold to investment firm, Newable, at the end of 2023.

Fleet Check names new chief operating officer

Callum Haymon-Collins has been named as the first person to hold the title of chief operating officer (COO) at Fleet Check.

He joined the fleet management software company from the University of the West of England in a sales support role 10 years ago having completed an MA in Philosophy and has since progressed through a variety of increasingly important roles.

As COO, his key responsibilities at Fleet Check will be overseeing all sales, product and marketing activity, as well as looking after client services and experience.

He said: “There’s a very clear ethos at Fleet Check which is based on being a trusted provider of excellent products and services that deliver an outstanding experience for our clients, while always being open and honest in our advice.

“That’s something that has been central to the rapid growth of the company over the last few years and will remain at the heart of our plans going forward. Developing this approach is very much my task as COO.”

Peter Golding, Fleet Check CEO, added: “We’re building a new management structure that is designed to prepare Fleet Check for its next phase of expansion with a number of key appointments underway, of which Callum is one.

“When we created the new role of COO, he was very much the obvious choice, having been a significant part of the company’s success story in recent times and clearly having the skills and talent to help us achieve much more in the future.”

Jemma James joins Logistics UK as new digital development director

Logistics UK has appointed Jemma James as the business group’s new digital development director.

Formerly the MD of the Microlise Group’s TruTac tachograph business, James brings an extensive track record in business development and commercial management. 

David Wells, chief executive of Logistics UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jemma to Logistics UK.

“Jemma will be responsible for the development of our portfolio of digital products, including our market leading Vision platform, and Tachograph Analysis service.

“Her extensive sector knowledge and background in digital product development will be a great asset for our organisation.” 

James added: “It’s an honour to join Logistics UK’s executive team in this pivotal role and help define an exciting new digital strategy for the organisation. 

“My background as MD of a successful SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) company means I’m well placed to evolve Logistics UK’s digital offering in line with members’ needs. 

“Logistics UK is the leading voice in supporting and promoting efficient logistics. They recognise digital innovation is key for operational compliance and supply chains.

“With their own in-house development team, they are uniquely placed to deliver first class digital services, backed up by exceptional customer support and regulatory knowledge. 

“This new digital landscape is exciting. Digital services transformation will not only increase member benefits, but will help future-proof our current digital services and support to members.”

Jolt expands UK presence with new hire

Jolt has appointed David Sadler as specialist director to support the strategic execution of its ‘sustainable’ advertising offering for electric vehicle chargers.

The ad-subsidised EV charging units, powered by 100% renewable energy, provide free daily charging for EV drivers.

Sadler joins from Global, where he was head of agency for five years and prior to that Outdoor Plus and JCDecaux.

He said: “Jolt is set to revolutionise the market by transforming how urban areas approach EV infrastructure and audience engagement.

“I’m thrilled to join this visionary team, which supports local communities by offering free advertising space to local businesses and help to deliver exceptional value to our users and brands, driving the future of sustainable urban living.”

Jolt CEO, Doug McNamee, added: “The appointment of David will further strengthen our mission to help our customers achieve impactful and measurable advertising results, while supporting the UK's shift to zero emissions.

“This includes reducing barriers to EV uptake and enhancing the accessibility and convenience of EV charging infrastructure across the UK.”

Jolt’s UK sales director, Gino Cettina, says Jolt aims to help accelerate e-mobility in the UK in a way that is “equitable and sustainable” by providing accessible charging infrastructure, facilitated by a sustainable, outdoor advertising platform.

“With impressive in-app customer engagement and first party data-driven strategies, our dual audience offering is highly desirable for many brands while supporting the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure,” he added.

Coolkit appoints more technical experts as part of its extensive growth plan

Coolkit has continued its rapid growth plans by appointing two new design engineers and a continuous improvement facilitator.

Since the beginning of the year Coolkit has increased its staffing levels across the board from shopfloor to management staff by more than 30% taking the headcount to more than 130 employees.

Gordon Gray and Jack Ye have joined as design engineers, and Hannah Murphy as a continuous improvement facilitator at Coolkit’s headquarters in Blackburn.

Gray, who was previously employed at Electra Commercial Vehicles and Triumph Motorcycles, will be involved in working from the specification for a van order designing components preceding the procurement and production of the parts required to assemble the vehicle.

He said: “My experience of working in established manufacturing companies has allowed me to gain a good understanding of best working practices to produce a high-quality product.”

Ye will concentrate on designing insulated panel kits, creating CNC cutting programmes and integrating various products such as road transport refrigeration systems into vehicle conversion kits.

He said: “I believe I bring extensive experience in mechanical design, a strong background in 2D and 3D design, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.”

Murphy will be involved in identifying, planning, facilitating and executing continuous improvement events using Lean Six Sigma tools along with coaching and leading cross-functional teams and collaborating to improve processes and workplace organisation, while identifying waste or inefficiency.

She said: “I wanted to be part of helping Coolkit to reach new levels in change and improvement and aim to help improve all aspects of the organisation such as processes, tools, organisation, communication and support and training.”

Coolkit’s managing director, Daniel Miller, said: “As we continue to grow we are proud to be able to appoint people like Gordon, Jack and Hannah who all have exceptional skills in their particular fields. I am sure all three will help Coolkit, along with the rest of our fantastic team, drive forward to new heights.”