Industry jobs: Top roles filled at Volkswagen Group UK, TTC Group, Cap HPI, Priority Freight, Apcoa and Bristol Waste

Damien O’Sullivan named new MD of Volkswagen Group UK

Damien O’Sullivan has been appointed managing director Volkswagen Group UK, succeeding Alex Smith who is leaving the company at his own request.

O’Sullivan joins Volkswagen Group UK from Volkswagen Group Ireland where he has held the position of Audi brand director for the past three years. 

Prior to this, he spent six years in the Group’s overseas and China regions as vice president dealer development for Audi at the company’s FAW joint venture business in Changchun, China and as Audi aftersales director at the NSC in Taiwan. 

His early career began as a credit analyst with AIB Capital Markets in Dublin. He joined Volkswagen Group Ireland as a Finance Controller in 2009, before moving to roles in sales and aftersales.

Smith leaves behind him a strong legacy having spent nearly 15 years with Volkswagen Group UK, with the last six as group MD. He said: “I’m very proud of everything the team and the networks have achieved in a period which has included Brexit, a pandemic, a supply crisis and the introduction of mass-market electromobility.”

Stefan Specht, chairman of the Volkswagen Group UK supervisory board, added: “I’m delighted that Damien has agreed to take on this new role as managing director of Volkswagen Group UK, and I am confident he is well positioned to lead the UK’s biggest automotive group through the significant changes we know are ahead.

“I’d also like to thank Alex for his dedication and massive contribution over the past six years, and I wish him all the best for the future.” 

O’Sullivan will begin his new role on December 1, with Smith departing the business after a handover period. 

Rich Hickin joins TTC Group 

TTC Group has appointed education management sales professional Rich Hickin to the new role of private sector director. 

He joins TTC with extensive experience in education and training, having held leadership roles in driving sales, developing strategic business plans, and enhancing market growth. 

His previous roles saw him working closely with educational institutions and corporate clients to deliver tailored training programmes, focusing on outcome-driven education and leveraging his expertise in managing large-scale projects.

In his new position at TTC, Rich’s focus will be on working collaboratively with TTC’s dedicated sales professionals to expand its established automotive and fleet range of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions. 

His remit will also include identifying new opportunities within emerging sectors, diversifying TTC’s client portfolio, and leveraging his experience in matching training services to specific client needs.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining TTC Group at such an exciting junction of its strategic expansion and diversification journey while it remains true to its core focus of people risk management. 

“I will primarily be working together with TTC’s dedicated sales professionals to increase the utilisation of its established automotive and fleet range of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions, while supporting new sectors added to the TTC portfolio.”
 
Dave Marsh, CEO of TTC, added: “An experienced and highly successful sales professional, Rich has a strong history of working in the training and education management industry and his experience will be invaluable as we grow and diversify. 

“We are very pleased to welcome Rich to the TTC team and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will bring to the business and our clients in this new role.”

Data expert to lead Cap HPI commercial vehicle valuations team

Dionne Hanlon has been appointed as senior editor for commercial vehicles and motorcycles for Cap HPI’s valuations team, replacing Julian Pullen, who leaves the business to pursue other interests.

The role sees Hanlon promoted to further develop and expand the reach of the leading automotive data business.

She has 20 years of experience in the automotive sector, having risen through the ranks at Cap HPI over the past 12 years, firstly as an LCV database specialist on the LCV valuations team and then promoted to commercial vehicle forecast manager in 2022.

She will report to Derren Martin, director of valuations. He said: “Dionne is a major asset to the team, with over 20 years of valuable experience and an impeccable record here at Cap HPI over the past 12 years. 

“Having originally joined the business around the same time as me, she has a fantastic understanding of the commercial vehicle and motorcycle industry and our data and fully deserves this promotion.”

Hanlon added: “The industry is currently experiencing one of its biggest technological changes in decades. The advances and developments across the automotive sector are transforming the driving experience and challenging traditional business models and industry norms, so remaining at the forefront of innovation is key. 

“I am excited to be a part of this and proud to be on the team which commands industry-wide trust and respect for its data-led knowledge and commercial vehicle and motorcycle expertise.”

Nicola Veratelli named new CEO of Apcoa

European parking operator Apcoa has appointed Nicola Veratelli as its new chief executive officer.

He succeeds Bert Pijls, who has been interim executive chairman since June 2024, and who will now resume his role as chairman.

Before joining Apcoa, Veratelli was CEO of Octo Telematics. His management-experience also comprises senior roles at global businesses such as Hertz International. 

Pijls said: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract someone of Nicola's calibre to the role and his hands-on international experience in operational management, technology transformation, and strategy execution will be very beneficial as we, APCOA, continue on our technology driven growth path.”

Veratelli added: “I am thrilled to be joining a business of Apcoa’s quality. With its market leading position and its exciting growth agenda, I am looking forward to leading the company on the next phase of its journey.”

Veratelli will take up the chief executive role from December 1.

Priority Freight appoints Andreas Schwertfeger

Priority Freight has appointed Andreas Schwertfeger as its new director of sales heading up marine logistics. 

He joins Priority Freight from Crane Worldwide Logistics, where he led account management for the EMEA region. 

Schwertfeger will oversee sales strategies across Europe for the marine logistics sector and lead initiatives to expand market reach and enhance client relationships. 

“Priority Freight is excited to welcome Andreas, a proven industry leader, to our senior team,” said Stuart Stobie, chief commercial officer at Priority Freight. 

“His dedication to excellence and his deep understanding of diverse sectors align perfectly with our mission to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Andreas’ leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in driving our marine logistics growth and ensuring we deliver the exceptional service our clients depend on.” 

Schwertfeger added: “I look forward to leveraging my experience in logistics and account management to contribute to Priority Freight’s continued growth and success.”

Bristol Waste appoints new managing director 

Bristol Waste Company has appointed Richard Williams as its new managing director, replacing interim MD, Dave Knight. 

Before joining Bristol Waste Company, Williams held senior leadership positions at companies including Aldi, McCarthey Stone, and Brigid Investments. 

“I am pleased to be joining Bristol Waste Company at such an exciting time,” he said. “Bristol has held the crown for top English core city for recycling for eight years, which is a phenomenal achievement, but I think we can take it even further.”

As MD, he will oversee the company's operations, strategic direction, and sustainability initiatives.