On the move 48 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2026 On the move Our round-up of the latest industry appointments. Send your people and recruitment news to the editor: john@aftermarket.co.uk Adam Linforth began his new role as head of parts sales operations for TPS last December and brings with him a wealth of industry experience. Linforth had previously worked for Jaguar Land Rover for 24 years, working across aftersales, franchising, sales, strategy both in the UK and globally. He started his career with Brown Brothers progressing to the Ford Parts Plus programme, driving the adoption of genuine Ford parts by independent motor traders and playing a major role in maximising retailer partner performance. Since joining TPS in September 2025, he has already brought meaningful contributions to TPS’s performance and operations, the company said. Linforth said: “There’s a great buzz amongst everyone I have spoken to, both in head office and our network and I am really looking forward to this new challenge within the group. “As we move forward, I’m keen to see more of how our business operates and how I can support the TPS centre network teams and my fellow TPS colleagues to drive our collective performance over the coming months.” In his new role Linforth has taken on responsibility for running the TPS operation, including the ‘Brands at TPS’ activities, and is also overseeing body repair activities across all the Volkswagen Group brands. Matthew Say has been appointed managing director of PACT TecCom eparts UK Distribution. Say brings more than 25 years of leadership experience within the independent aftermarket, having held senior positions at HELLA UK, MANN+HUMMEL and most recently SNG / Moss Motors, where he served as MD. Board representative Xavier Thiberge said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew as MD of PACT. This appointment represents a key step in strengthening our position across the UK and Irish independent aftermarket.” Say said: “I look forward to working closely with the team, our customers, and partners to drive meaningful growth, deliver value, and continue building a company culture that supports innovation, collaboration, and excellence.” AION Auto UK has appointed Alex Key as its marketing director as the brand prepares for its UK launch during 2026. Key brings more than 20 years of automotive marketing experience and will report directly to MD, Jon Wakefield. She will oversee the brand and marketing strategy for the new entrant’s launch. Having started her career at Honda, Key spent 11 years at BMW in senior management positions. She joined Suzuki GB in 2021 and led their automotive marketing operations. Key said: “Launching a new car brand in the UK is a rare opportunity and I’m looking forward to helping define AION’s marketing approach as we introduce the proposition to customers.” Last November, AION Auto UK announced several senior appointments with Duncan Johnston joining as network development director, David Pay stepping into the role of sales director, Ben Hurford as aftersales director and Lee Giddings as head of fleet. AION Auto UK is a joint venture between GAC Group, one of China’s largest and oldest vehicle manufacturers, and Jameel Motors, independent international automotive distributor and mobility solutions provider. TPS appoints new head of parts sales operations Key appointment for AION’s UK launch Matthew Say joins PACT as MD Matthew Say (centre) Adam Linforth Alex Key
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