Industry jobs roles filled at Scania UK, Alphabet GB and Wessex Fleet

Chris Newitt announced new MD of Scania UK

Chris Newitt has been appointed as the new managing director (MD) of Scania UK.

He succeeds and will report into James Armstrong, who will take up his new role as executive regional director for Scania Europe North Region, where he will manage six European markets – UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and the Baltics.

Scania said Newitt has extensive experience in the automotive business, having held senior positions at Jagular Land Rover (JLR) for more than a decade, as well as senior experience working for Volkswagen Group UK as head of retail operations.

Armstrong added: “I am delighted to welcome Chris to Scania UK. He has a proven track record and will bring a wealth of experience to one of the most revered positions in the industry.”

Commenting on his appointment, Newitt, said: “Scania is known around the world for its brand heritage, innovation, and deep engineering integrity. It will be my privilege to lead this fantastic company in the UK through what continues to be the most testing time of our generation.”

Alphabet GB appoints new consultancy manager

Alphabet GB has appointed Caroline Sandall-Mansergh as its new consultancy and channels development manager.

In her new role, Sandall-Mansergh will focus on growing Alphabet’s consultancy arm for electric vehicles (EV), as well as providing strategic counsel for customers and internal teams on topics such as government policy, taxation, and environmental, sustainability, and governance matters, said Alphabet.

Sandall-Mansergh, a former consultant for LeasePlan, joins Alphabet with insight into the fleet industry following 23 years as a fleet manager. She has also worked in consultancy roles since 2017.

The leasing company said Sandall-Mansergh will be using her expertise to deliver sustainable mobility solutions for Alphabet’s customers, as well as developing Alphabet’s existing channels to market.

Spencer Halil, chief commercial officer (CCO) at Alphabet (GB), said: “Caroline’s experience as a fleet leader in the industry will no doubt prove invaluable in helping us achieve our strategic ambitions with the continued development of sustainable mobility solutions and customer-focused products and services.

“We remain committed to extending our consultancy offering to provide all our customers with vital support and expert counsel as we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape together. Caroline will be a key part of this growth and I am delighted to welcome her to Alphabet.”

Wessex Fleet appoints John Deane as national sales manager

Wessex Fleet has appointed John Deane as national sales manager.

Deane has 20 years’ experience in the industry, having started his career at Fleet Support Group. He then went on to hold roles with Inchcape Fleet Solutions, Lombard Vehicle Management and Lombard Asset Finance.

His expertise encompasses fleet, maintenance, risk, accident and tyre management, as well as finance and leasing, for fleets as large as 6,000 to 10,000 vehicles.

Simon Naylor, director at Wessex Fleet, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome John on board. With our continued growth and ambitious plans, appointing John in this key role is integral to us moving forward as company.”

Automotive Transformation Group appoints new chief revenue officer

Automotive Transformation Group have appointed Richard Johnston as its new chief revenue officer (CRO).

The transition follows the recent announcement that he will replace Tim Smith, who became chief executive officer (CEO) of the group as of September 1, 2022.

Johnston will lead both the sales and marketing operations and will use his experience to build on the opportunities from their newly launched NetDirector Digital Retailing Suite – the company said.

The promotion from OEM and financier director to CRO will form the next chapter in Johnston’s 12-year career with Automotive Transformation Group.

Smith added: “Having worked with Richard for many years I have no doubt he will be a tremendous success in his new role.

“He has a long track record of delivering results to his customers and building long-term relationships.

“Furthermore, his knowledge of how technology can be applied to deliver tangible benefits to automotive organisations is outstanding. I am delighted to have him join our executive team as we continue to drive efficiencies throughout the vehicle sales process.”

CBVC Vehicle Management appoints new head for salary sacrifice division

CBVC Vehicle Management has appointed Ryan Spencer to head up the company’s new salary sacrifice division.

Spencer will head a salary sacrifice division of three, with the business anticipating growth during the next two years.

Spencer joined CBVC Vehicle Management last year, starting first on the company’s Leasing Gorilla brand before progressing to sales manager and then head of salary sacrifice in August.

Prior to CBVC Vehicle Management, Spencer headed up the B2C leasing division at Pendragon Vehicle Management.

He said: “We’re looking for significant expansion once it gets up to speed and we’re expecting to sign our first major contract imminently. Salary sacrifice is certainly the fleet market’s hot ticket now. It’s an exciting time for the business and I’m thrilled to head up the new division."

Jon Taylor appointed UK and European training manager at Point S Tyre and Autocare

Point S Tyre and Autocare have appointed Jon Taylor as UK and European training manager at Point S Tyre and Autocare.

Taylor will be responsible for researching, managing, and overseeing a training programme for members of the Point S network.

The company said Taylor’s initial task is consulting with Point S members and conducting a training needs analysis across Europe.

In the longer term, his objective is to manage and oversee the creation and delivery of bespoke training programmes.

The company said Taylor brings experience in establishing global training programmes and qualifications to the role, having previously led the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and EV training programmes for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Wayne Daniel, UK network operations manager, said: “Jon’s vast experience in establishing global training platforms speaks for itself. Our aim is to develop a platform that is second to none in the aftermarket, so that our members can continue to flourish, now and in the future.”