Industry jobs: Roles filled at ALD Automotive LeasePlan, MAN Truck and Bus, Mercedes-Benz, Startline and DMN Logistics

ALD Automotive LeasePlan appoints Patrick Sommelet

ALD Automotive LeasePlan has appointed Patrick Sommelet as deputy chief executive officer and group chief financial officer.

Reporting to CEO Tim Albertsen, he was previously deputy chief financial officer of Societe Generale and replaces Gilles Momper who will continue his career outside the group.

Albertsen said: “Patrick brings considerable experience and expertise in finance to ALD Automotive LeasePlan which will fully support our transformation going forward as the company enters a new phase of development. I wish Patrick every success in his new position.”

Sommelet began his career in 1993 at Credit Commercial de France where he was a trader on the bond and money markets.

In 1998, he joined the financial institutions advisory team at Merrill Lynch in London before transferring to the Paris office.

Two years later, he joined the strategy department at Societe Generale and went on to become head of investor relations and financial communication for the group in 2006.

More recently, he became head of strategic financial planning for Societe Generale in 2016 and was appointed deputy chief financial officer of Societe Generale one year later.

Toni Ward named as sales director at MAN Truck and Bus UK

MAN Truck & Bus UK has appointed Toni Ward as sales director for its van division.

Ward succeeds Tracey Perry who starts a new position as the sales director of Truck, Bus and Coach products.

Ward has spent more than 20 years in the automotive sector within both network and OEM.

During this time, she has led teams in retail, SME and had responsibility for the supply and account management of some of the largest commercial fleets in the UK.

Between 1998 and 2006 she worked for Reg Vardy, before joining Fiat UK as a national account manager in 2008.

In 2011, she joined Renault before joining Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK in 2015 as a key account manager. She joined MAN Truck and Bus UK in January 2022 as head of van sales in the north.

Stefan Thyssen, managing director of MAN Truck and Bus UK, said: “We are delighted to appoint Toni to lead the MAN Truck and Bus UK van team.

“Her wealth of experience within the automotive sector and knowledge of the commercial vehicle industry, will, without doubt, prove a huge asset to the company.”

Ward added: “As a vehicle manufacturer, with van products spanning the 3.0 to 5.5-tonne categories, the MAN TGE offers a compelling range of award-winning, cost-effective, business focussed, robust vehicles.”

She takes up her new position with immediate effect.

Sally Dennis appointed sales director at Mercedes-Benz Cars UK

Sally Dennis has been appointed as sales director for Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, while retaining responsibility for used cars and remarketing.

Since joining Mercedes-Benz in 2012, Dennnis has held various senior positions.

Her previous roles include head of fleet, used cars and remarketing, and customer operations director at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

Mercedes-Benz UK MD, Gary Savage, said: “Sally recognises the importance of collaboration with our network partners and the vital role they play in delivering exceptional customer service.

“Her extensive experience and passion for the automotive industry will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.”

Dennis added: “The agency model presents exciting opportunities for our business and I am delighted to be working so closely with our network partners as we build on our current success.

“This new approach delivers a contemporary and customer centric experience, whether that’s in store, online or a combination of the two. 

“I am also certain that this new way of working will attract talented individuals to join us from not only the automotive industry but also from digital and retail environments.”

Alan Greer appointed new head of finance at Startline

Alan Greer has been appointed as the new head of finance at Startline Motor Finance.

As well as managing and developing the finance function of the business, his responsibilities will include contributing to its overall growth strategy and business plan by delivering value-added insights from a financial perspective.

Previously, he spent more than 20 years at Clydesdale Bank and Virgin Money, including senior roles in reporting, planning, capital management and corporate finance.

Most recently, he worked for 18 months in EY’s strategy and transactions team specialising in due diligence for deals involving financial services clients.

He said: “It is an exciting time to be joining Startline, taking the opportunity to develop the company’s finance function and delivering new capabilities that will help drive the business forward as it embarks on the next stage in its growth journey.”

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Enhancing our finance function is fundamental to the future expansion of our company and, in Alan, we believe that we have recruited someone who will very much be at the heart of that process.”

PlaterPal owner heads for new role at DMN Logistics

Daz Johnson, director and founder of PlaterPal, has been appointed transport operations manager at JLL Vehicle Distribution, which is now part of DMN Group.

In this new role, he will support DMN Group’s growth plans as it looks to continue to increase its fleet size and will report directly to James Lee, JLL’s managing director.

Additionally, he will provide development and support across the driver base including on-going training and upskilling, and delivering enhanced efficiencies by increased fleet utilisation, and selective sub-contracting of overflow volume to support clients’ service level agreements.

He said: “I am looking forward to this new role. Since the purchase by DMN Group, there has been a huge increase in interest in the transporter logistics part of the business and I’m looking forward to converting that interest and growing the client base.”

James Lee, managing director at JLL Vehicle Distribution, added: “Daz understands the vehicle logistics sector, and has extensive experience in managing people and operations, so he was the obvious choice.”