Industry jobs: Roles filled at Volvo Car Financial Services and the AA

Audi UK’s Steve Catlin appointed MD of Volvo Car Financial Services

Volvo Cars has appointed Audi UK's Steve Catlin as managing director (MD) of Volvo Car Financial Services UK (VCFSUK).

Catlin takes the reins of the business which provides wholesale funding to Volvo Cars’ UK retail network and finance products for customers purchasing new and used cars.

Volvo Cars said Catlin has extensive experience in the UK automotive sector, having held senior roles with manufacturers.

He joins the company from Volkswagen Group UK where he was most recently director of sales, people, and network development for Audi UK.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “I am pleased to welcome Steve to Volvo Car Financial Services UK and his new role.

“I look forward to working closely with Steve to ensure our two businesses remain aligned and wholly focused on meeting the needs of all our customers.”

Commenting on his appointment, Catlin said: “I am looking forward to working with an amazing brand such as Volvo Cars that has been at the forefront of bringing positive change to the automotive landscape.

“I believe financial services plays a critical role in supporting the transformation we are witnessing in the industry. How we deliver innovation and provide a flexible platform for our customers and partners in the future will be key factors in securing success.”

New hire to ‘drive transformation’ at AA Business Services

James Starling has been appointed as director of the AA's businesses services division.

Starling will focus on growing business areas, including automotive, finance institutions, leasing and small medium enterprises (SMEs).

The company said new products and services development are a key priority, and continuing to drive innovation, from self-service delivery and app strategy, and enhancing the digital journey for B2B clients, are key aspects of Starling’s remit.

As well as this, Starling aims to utilise the AA’s customer service to help better support the customers of its business partners, the AA said.

Starling has previously held roles as chief commercial officer at SMH Fleet Solutions, in addition to corporate director and head of corporate new business at Lex Autolease.

He also brings automotive experience to the position following roles at Toyota Financial Services, Renault Financial Services and Ford Credit.

Dean Keeling, MD roadside services at the AA, said: “James brings a dynamic, customer-centred approach that will help shape the future of our business services offer at a time of great technological, regulatory and environmental change in the marketplace.” 

Indra appoints Adrian Moores as chief executive officer

Electric vehicle (EV) and smart energy technology business, Indra has appointed Adrian Moores as its chief executive officer (CEO).

Moores will be responsible for executing the company’s growth strategy in the UK and Europe.

Moores started his career as a qualified chartered accountant at KPMG, before moving into the technology sector.

Prior to joining Indra, Moores was group CEO at P2i, where he oversaw the company’s growth from start-up. He also specialises in working with businesses that have a focus on sustainability, Indra said.

John O’Donohue, chair of the board at Indra, said: “We’re thrilled that Ady has joined us to lead a strong management team harnessing real technology innovation leadership and scaling in the UK and Europe.

“His deep operational expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our customer base and operations at pace in the coming months and years.”

Mfldirect appoints Theo Kortland as MD of new vehicle refurb facility

Theo Kortland has been appointed as MD of Mfldirect’s new vehicle refurbishment centre in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Kortland will oversee the redevelopment of the 22-acre site into a vehicle conditioning centre, doubling the company’s existing capacity for the assessment, imaging, and refurbishment of vehicles, said Mfldirect.

He has 25 years’ experience in the automotive industry, having previously worked alongside Mfldirect during his time as MD of Smart Fleet Solutions – the company’s former refurbishment partner.

He joins Mfldirect from Cazoo, where he was UK chief of production.

Damian Oton, MD fleet at Mfldirect, said: “Having worked with Theo for many years, I know that his analytical approach to the industry balanced with a real passion to do the right thing for the customer is an ideal fit for Mfldirect.

“His experience in leading the Smart Fleet Solutions team and more recently at Cazoo gives him a great perspective to bring our ambitious plans for the Coalville site to life.”

GHD makes two new senior appointments

GHD, the professional services company, has made two new appointments to help strengthen its UK transport solutions offering and expands its client base in the region.

Dario Feliciangeli has been appointed as UK transport market leader, while David Hurren has been named business group leader – transport solutions.

Hurren previously held the position of director at GHD, having joined the company in July 2021. He will be responsible for managing the operations and project delivery of the GHD’s UK transport solutions team.

The company said he has more than 25 years’ experience working and consulting in the strategic transport and wider civil engineering sectors.

His previous roles include director of transport and infrastructure at Robert West, director – transport strategy at BWB Consulting, and project consultant at Transport for London (TfL), in addition to running his own consulting firm for 10 years.

He will report to Kevin Eyers, GHD’s new UK regional general manager. While Feliciangeli joins from Meinhardt, where he spent five years, latterly as an associate and infrastructures unit leader, and has previously worked at Mott MacDonald and HNTB.

Having joined GHD in July 2022, his responsibilities include developing and delivering GHD’s transport strategy in the UK market. He will report to Jonathan Edwards, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market development leader.

Hurren added: “GHD is an exciting and rapidly growing player in the transport market, and I am very much looking forward to leading the excellent transport solutions group. The transport market is facing exceptional challenges that need clear, effective, and data-led advice.”