On the move 48 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2025 On the move Our round-up of the latest industry appointments. Send your people and recruitment news to the editor: john@aftermarket.co.uk Retail business team promotions at First Stop First Stop has announced promotions within its team of retail business consultants as the automotive services firm continues to expand. Shaun Sweeney and Nick Salt, who have more than 10 years of collective First Stop experience, have been promoted to national franchise manager UK & Ireland and UK territory manager respectively. Meanwhile, Damian Cleaver has been appointed as business development manager for Wales and the south-west, having previously worked as area manager at ETB Autocentres. He ran his own depot before that. First Stop said it has attracted 11 new franchise partners during the first two months of 2025. Sweeney said: “We’re welcoming a number of new dealers to the network, with a tailored package of support that is adding real value to their businesses.” Shaun Sweeney Nick Salt Damian Cleaver FAI Automotive has appointed Lewis Wykes as head of sales for the UK and Ireland. With over 20 years in the motor trade, Wykes started as a warehouse operator and progressed through roles including delivery driver, parts person and retail branch manager. He went on to be regional manager for seven years. In his new role, Wykes will lead a team of area sales managers and customer service specialists, driving strategies to attract new customers and revenue. He will also promote multiple brands, strengthen relationships with key decision-makers, and support business growth. Wykes will also collaborate with internal teams across marketing, purchasing and product development. FAI managing director Lee Hewlett said: “Lewis’ experience in factoring means he has a very good understanding of the market and our customer needs, which makes him a great asset to the company.” FAI appoints Wykes as new head of sales Lewis Wykes Thomas named accounts manager for ETB in Bridgend ETB Wholesale has announced the appointment of Gareth Thomas as the new accounts manager for its Bridgend tyre distribution centre. Thomas, 33, brings a wealth of hands-on experience from multiple roles within the business, making him the perfect fit to meet the needs of existing and new customers, ETB said. A Bridgend resident himself, Thomas is no stranger to the local customer network and has spent his career honing his skills across a variety of positions. Starting as a driver, he moved through the ranks to work in the warehouse, before stepping up to managerial and assistant managerial roles. Thomas said: “This role allows me to ensure prompt, efficient deliveries and taking the weight off by meeting the needs of more contacts at an extremely busy period.” Gareth Thomas
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