MAY 2024 AFTERMARKET 65 EYEBROW www.aftermarketonline.net Autogem appoints strategic advisor Tony Neill, former CEO of Axle Group, is has joined Autogem as a strategic advisor to the senior management team, headed up by brothers Prashant and Adit Chopra. At the Axle Group, Tony oversaw the National Tyres retail operation as well as the Viking International tyre wholesale division Commenting on his new role, Tony said: “I’ve known Prashant and Adit for a long time and know Autogem well from the many years they were supplying the Axle Group. It’s a brilliant and progressive company which does business the right way. I will be doing all I can to accentuate these positives and facilitate growth through my own industry knowledge and experience.” Managing Director Prashant Chopra added: “There are few professionals in the aftermarket more talented and respected than Tony and we can only benefit from his presence inside our business. We will be a stronger business from his guidance and we couldn’t be more excited about the future with Tony being part of the team.” Gavin White takes on Ambassador role Autotech Group founder Gavin White has taken on a new role as Automotive Ambassador in partnership with commercial finance broker Activate Business Finance. Gavin recently stepped down from the day-to-day running of Autotech Group. In his new role he will look to help garages understand the financial solutions available to them Gavin said: “Greater awareness is needed on the different options available to finance the equipment and tools which will help automotive businesses future proof themselves and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving sector. As a result, I am delighted to be named as an Automotive Ambassador for Activate Business Finance, which I believe is an industry first role.” Digital Brands: New Digital Manager Simply Brands has appointed Tom Kay as Digital Manager. He brings with him over 15 years of digital and marketing experience across a range of sectors. Commenting on his new role, Tom said. “We’re going to be looking closely at the customer experience across all our platforms. A new website will be at the centre of that work and will be a big transformation and the flagship around which we will improve our digital presence.” Simply Brands CEO Ollie Page added: “Over the last few years, especially during COVID-19, we saw the automotive aftermarket take a definitive shift towards digital, whether that’s placing orders, looking for quick access to technical and product information and even reading trade magazines – not to mention the importance that social media now plays in growing our brand awareness. As a result, now more than ever is the right time to be investing in our digital presence and Tom will spearhead this, as we enter yet another stage of growth.” ALLDATA Europe Director joins ADPA board Matthew Wright, ALLDATA Europe’s Director of Information Insights and OEM Relations, has been elected as a board member of the Independent Automotive Data Publishers Association (ADPA), which aims to assure access to automotive technical information and establish a competitive framework for independent data publishers. Commenting on his additional role, Matthew said: “I am immensely proud to have been elected to join the ADPA board. ADPA membership represents a substantial portion of data publishers, whose contributions are crucial for the service and repair market’s competitiveness and professionalism across Europe.” ALLDATA Europe Managing Director Karol Englert observed: “The organisation plays a vital role in advocating for data publishers, like ALLDATA Europe, in their ability to provide reliable, timely, and cost-effective repair and maintenance information to workshops. We know that Matthew will play an instrumental role in furthering this mission.” ADPA President Ralf Pelkmann added: “Matthew is a great addition to ADPA board. Together, we will make sure that road mobility remains affordable, safe, and sustainable.”
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