Philip Nothard elected new chair of the VRA

Philip Nothard has been elected as the new chair of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA), succeeding Sam Watkins, who has held the role for the last two years.

With a 30-year career in the used car sector, he is currently insight and strategy director at Cox Automotive and has also held key positions at Cap HPI as well as other senior roles across the automotive sector.

Nothard said: “My first job as chair is to thank Sam for the excellent work, she has done over the last two years, helping to raise the profile of the VRA and guide it through what have been some unavoidably turbulent times.

“I will be looking to build on the work she has started. With the support of the board, my aim is to provide the help and advice that the remarketing sector needs as it deals with the effects of the pandemic, Brexit and a host of other issues.

“The VRA has been very proactive over the last nine months and our members have been extremely supportive of each other, freely sharing new information and best practice. This spirit of co-operation is very important.”

The VRA recently announced the launch of a new webinar series designed to help the remarketing sector prepare for the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, as the remarketing company warned that a lack of detail in the Brexit deal could lead to disruption in the market. 

Sam Watkins, commercial director at Manheim Vehicle Services, said: “I’ve very much enjoyed my tenure, but this feels like the right moment to step down.

“My objectives were to grow the VRA membership through providing relevant and valuable content and support, as well as to increase our financial security, and much progress has been made in both of those areas.

“The VRA remains in very capable hands, with a new chair, vice chair and established board members who bring a great deal of positive energy and experience, and I also plan to continue to contribute as a board member.”

Rupert Pontin has also been elected as deputy chair.

Currently director of insight at Cazana, he has held senior roles at companies including Glass’s, The Car Shop and British Car Auctions, as well as running his own motor retail business. 

He said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with Philip and the board. This is a turbulent time for the remarketing sector, and I believe that the VRA is more important than ever in its role supporting industry professionals.”