Hoffmann appointed as MD of Bosch for UK and Ireland
Dr Steffen Hoffmann has been appointed managing director for Bosch in the UK and Ireland, replacing Vonjy Rajakoba.
He has been with the Bosch business for more than 32 years, starting his career in 1992 as a management trainee in Germany, and since then he has progressed within the company in various roles around the world.
He led Bosch UK and Ireland from 2015 to 2020 and returns to the position.
In the intervening years he was the president of Bosch Russia until 2022, and since then he has overseen the Bosch activities in more than 20 countries as president for northern and eastern Europe, while based in the UK.
He will continue this European role alongside his new responsibility for Bosch’s business across the UK and Ireland.
He said: “I’m proud to be taking up the role of managing director of Bosch UK and Ireland again.
“I have fond memories of heading up the business here in the past and it’s a unique opportunity to return with a broader perspective of the wider region.”
After almost four years as MD of Bosch UK, Rajakoba’s next position will be announced in due course.
NatWest Group appoints Paul Edwards to lead Lombard and specialist businesses
NatWest Group has announced that Paul Edwards has been appointed to lead the banking group’s asset finance business, Lombard, together with specialist businesses providing working capital solutions.
Edwards has been at NatWest for 12 years and has held a number of roles in that time, most recently leading the bank’s commercial mid-market business in the south-west and Wales.
For Lombard he succeeds Ian Isaac, who is retiring after a decade as managing director at the end of September.
Andy Gray, managing director of commercial mid-market at NatWest Group, said: “Paul will play a crucial role in driving forward our growth plans, leveraging the significant £20 million investment we have made into our trade transformation programme and supporting customers to access solutions across transaction banking and invoice financing.
“With a background in a variety of sales and functional leadership roles, Paul brings a wealth of experience and skills to the role.”
Edwards added: “I look forward to working to build on the exceptional progress made, so we can continue to deliver for our customers and stakeholders.”
Daniel Johnston-Leigh appointed sales director at Tracker
Tracker Network (UK) has appointed Daniel Johnston-Leigh as sales director to lead the company’s OEM and dealer partnership strategy, as well as leading the sales team.
With 14 years’ experience across the automotive market, including contract hire and leasing, OEM, telematics and EV charging, he was most recently at PodPoint where he was head of OEM and dealerships.
Mark Rose, managing director of Tracker, said: “Having worked within a broad range of automotive businesses, Daniel understands the significant impact vehicle theft is having on individuals, retailers, businesses operating fleets, sole traders and insurers.”
Johnston-Leigh added: “Collaboration is key and Tracker has already made significant strides in forming partnerships that deliver safeguarding solutions today. This is a really exciting time to be joining Tracker.”
Philips named new head of business change at DMN Group
Dave Philips has been appointed the new head of business change at DMN Group.
In his new role, he will drive strategic change within DMN, using relevant data and insights, to ensure the business handles consistent and effective change across business processes, technologies, organisational structure, job roles and systems.
He will lead and coach teams to deliver high-quality changes efficiently, collaborating with relevant departments to deliver sustainable and effective solutions.
Additionally, he will ensure a consistent approach to account management and new customer onboarding.
Dave joins DMN, after 20 years at Rivus, where he gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fleet and garage management sector.
Previously he was part of the team supporting the sale of BT Fleet from BT Group following acquisition by Aurelius.
Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Group, said: “We are extremely pleased Dave has joined our team. He has a wealth of experience in a variety of roles which will serve him well in this role.
“His extensive background within the fleet management sector is what makes us believe he is the best person to drive change within the business – change that will steer us forward not take us off our current path. We are excited for the positive change he will bring to DMN.”
Philips added: “I am excited to start this new journey with a company that is continually growing and adapting to meet the needs of their customers and the sector, whilst remaining true to their core focus.”
Suzie Fanning appointed as regional key account manager
Suzie Fanning has been appointed to the regional sales team at National Windscreens with responsibility for Scotland and Carlisle.
She joined the business in 2018, where she started in administration before taking charge of the glass distribution centre in Scotland prior to managing three fitting centres.
She said: “It is a new chapter in my career, and I am relishing this opportunity to work with the regional sales team and deliver solutions for our customers.”
Mark MacKenzie, UK regional sales manager, added: “Suzie has made a big impression in her six years at National Windscreens, and we are thrilled to have her as part of the team.
“She is an immensely capable individual and I look forward to seeing her develop in her role. I am confident our experienced team can utilise her knowledge to drive further growth across the UK.”
PAVE appoints UK head of business development
Phil Deegan has been appointed UK head of business development at PAVE, the AI-based inspection platform that automatically inspects and appraises vehicles in real-time.
With almost 40 years in the automotive industry, Deegan is experienced in creating and driving business strategy and change management, supporting companies in navigating complex business challenges and creating exciting and profitable solutions.
He has previously worked in senior roles at Adesa (now Open Lane), Smart Fleet Solutions, GRS and GE Capital.
He said: “I believe that PAVE can revolutionise the way vehicles are inspected, and I am delighted to support the development of PAVE in the fleet and auto retail sectors.”
Deegan will oversee the development of long-term partnerships, ensure that the PAVE solution continues to develop.
Brian Steinhauser, co-founder and CEO of PAVE, said: “We are confident Phil is the man for the job. His extensive background in management, sales and relationship development all suggest his success within this role.”