Industry jobs: Roles filled at AA Business Services, Alphabet, Whistl, Epyx, PwC UK, DMN Group and Brego

AA Business Services appoints head of B2B connected car and European relations

AA Business Services has announced the appointment of Ryan Naughton as its new head of B2B connected car and European relations.

Previously chief operating officer at Avayler, Naughton has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive and technology sectors. 

Working with other well-known brands including Halfords, he specialises in business growth strategies. 

In his new role, Naughton now heads up the AA’s service, maintenance and repair (SMR) division, as well as AA X and Arc. 

The AA has recently introduced AA X as part of its digital-led services. Designed to optimise fleet efficiency and keep vehicles on the road, AA X utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse data and identify patterns in vehicle faults that can lead to breakdown or wider repairs.

Naughton said: “I am thrilled to join the AA at such an exciting time. It feels like a perfect match for both my skills and background, and I’m looking forward to being a part of future successes, delivering growth and enhancing operational efficiency.”

James Starling, director of business services, added: “Ryan will play a pivotal role in our future growth as The AA continues to innovate. 

“His experience will support us in our mission to deliver best-in-class services for business fleets, helping our customers to stay always ahead.”

Alphabet appoints Jill Paton to lead marketing charge in the UK

Alphabet (GB) has appointed Jill Paton as its head of marketing and external communications to optimise the company's marketing strategies and drive business growth.

Paton takes up her new position after 25 years’ experience within the BMW Group in various roles, including global brand communications manager at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and, most recently, head of partner training, internal communications and innovation at BMW Financial Services (GB). 

She succeeds Suzanne Gray, who retired on March 31 after a 35-year career with the BMW Group.

Paton said: “My experience within the BMW Group has taken me full circle, which has provided valuable marketing insight and a deep understanding into behavioural and developmental psychology. 

“I’ve enjoyed a fruitful career to date and I’m eager to use what I‘ve learned to continue the great work of my predecessor, Suzanne, while also bringing a fresh perspective to drive new marketing initiatives.”

In response to Paton’s appointment, Jemma Gregory, head of strategy and business development for BMW Financial Services (GB) and Alphabet (GB), said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jill back into the Alphabet fold during a rapidly changing time in the automotive industry. 

“This brings with it new opportunities for fleet management and leasing, particularly around the promotion and uptake of electric vehicles. 

“Jill’s combined training and marketing expertise gives her the edge to develop effective marketing strategies to tap into customers’ preferences, challenges and motivations.”

Epyx recruits nine new apprentices 

A rethink on apprenticeships at Epyx has seen nine people recruited.

Working across a variety of technology disciplines, they include apprentices who will be based entirely at the company’s Meriden, Warwickshire offices, and others who will be available as a shared resource with parent company Corpay.

They are software developers Oleh Collins, Theo Eddy, Zohirul Islam and Harvey Keeling; data analyst Ronan Law; business analyst Jamie Warmington; and information communication technicians Luke Shaw, Daniel Wang and Josef Whitehouse.

Natalie Harries, HR director at Corpay, said: “The people we have taken on range in age from 16 to 25, with some joining after finishing school and college, and others having completed university level qualifications. 

“They are all completing two-year Level Three and Level Four apprenticeships that will see them rapidly upskilled, and we hope and expect, become part of Epyx’s long term future.”

New director of fulfilment and contact centre solutions at Whistl

Whistl has appointed Natalie Sehnal as director of fulfilment and contact centre solutions based in the northeast and southwest of the UK.

Sehnal, who has been with the business for over 22 years, will be responsible for Whistl’s contact centre solutions operations.

She said: “I am delighted to take on this role, working with our award-winning team who are recognised for their personal and empathetic approach when dealing with enquiries and outbound campaign activity.”

The company supports a variety of customers in sectors ranging from care homes, financial assistance providers, retail brands and entertainment venues.

Dom Tribe named PwC UK automotive sector leader

PwC UK has appointed Dom Tribe as its automotive sector leader, as the firm invests in its support for this rapidly changing and disrupted market.

Tribe brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. Prior to joining PwC in 2024, he was a Partner at Vendigital, a Siemens business, where he led the mobility practice, collaborating with many of the UK's automotive OEMs, EV start-ups, dealer groups, and suppliers. 

He also spent more than a decade in industry, firstly at Ford Motor Company in various management roles before moving to McLaren Automotive, where he served as head of procurement and supply chain.

He said: “It’s an incredibly exciting and transformative time for the industry, which is navigating the drive for electrification, digital innovation, and supply chain evolution, while also driving ongoing convergence with adjacent sectors across the wider mobility ecosystem.

“Additionally, the sector is dealing with the complexity of product mix—whether regarding models, technology, or consumer purchasing methods - alongside the evolution of market competition, as global brands continue to chase market share in multiple territories.”

Cara Haffey, PwC UK industrials and services leader, added: “I look forward to passing the mantle to Dom and seeing him bring his credentials in the sector to the role. 

“His wealth of knowledge and experience make him an asset both to the firm and the wider automotive community.”

Ritesh Patel named new IT manager at DMN Group

IT specialist Ritesh Patel has been appointed the new IT Manager at DMN Group.

He has more than 25 years of experience in IT having worked for some of the largest managed service providers in the industry including, NTT Data, Dimension Data and NextiraOne.

In his new role, he will oversee and manage DMN’s information technology systems, ensuring smooth operations, security, and alignment with business goals, while also leading and developing the IT team.

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Group, said: “Ritesh’s expertise is just what we need to keep us moving forward digitally, and ensure our systems not only streamline our processes but deliver the very best experience for our clients.”

Patel added: “The sector provides a new challenge for me, but as I’m proficient in managing IT systems, I am confident I can deliver the exceptional service I always have. 

“I look forward to DMN’s systems and processes helping to support the efficiency of operations, as well as ensure office-based staff and drivers are comfortable with the use of IT systems.”

DMN Group provides automotive solutions across a range of services including logistics and fleet compound solutions all driven and supported by technology and intelligent systems.

Phil Roe re-elected as president of Logistics UK

The Logistics UK non-executive board has voted to extend the tenure of Phil Roe as the organisation’s president for the next two years. 

He took up the position in April 2022, after five years as a non-executive director. 

During his time in post, Roe has worked to build the organisation’s influence with ministers and policymakers, on behalf of members, by building engagement with logistics leaders at C-Suite level with businesses from across the sector at its Presidents Council, which was formed in 2023. 

He has also led efforts to build the profile of the logistics industry with Government and other stakeholders through its executive membership, which provides a platform for board level discussions for industry leaders and now has more than 100 members.   

Roe is also the executive sponsor for the Generation Logistics campaign, which, in its first two years, has already increased awareness of a career in logistics with 13-24-year-olds.  

Prior to joining the Logistics UK board, Roe enjoyed a 35-year career in logistics, with roles at XPO and DHL, where he was a board director at DHL Supply Chain. He is also a non-executive director and trustee at Transaid.  

He said: “A stronger, more resilient logistics sector can generate over £8Bn a year in GDP, so there’s a huge prize for the whole country and the economy if we can make logistics more efficient – and I’m delighted to continue to lead that charge.” 

Safi Najib joins Brego as national dealer sales manager

Brego has appointed Safi Najib as national dealer sales manager, with a focus on developing and managing partnerships with automotive dealers across the UK. 

He joins Brego with more than a decade’s experience in the automotive sector, having previously worked at OEM level with Mercedes-Benz, as well as franchise dealer networks. 

More recently, he has been involved with high profile online automotive marketplaces, with a responsibility for dealer network partnerships.

In the newly created role at Brego, he will manage client relationships and develop new business for Brego’s platform for automotive dealerships, Brego-Dealer.

He said: “The platform is revolutionising how dealerships access and utilise data, and I’m eager to help dealers unlock its full potential. 

“I look forward to working closely with partners to enhance their decision-making, drive growth, and stay ahead in a competitive market.”