The Retail Motor Industry Federation has called in specialist head-hunters to seek out a new boss for its newly-created aftermarket and used cars division.

The action follows a tough reorganisation of the RMI after Bob Hood's surprise decision to quit his post as head of the bodyshop division. The RMI has split the division into two separate sectors and last month named Jeffrey Mack as head of the new bodyshop and recovery division.

The trade association has briefed London-based recruitment specialist Courland Automotive to find “someone well versed in the automotive industry who understands the repair sector and the challenges executives face post block exemption”, according to an RMI spokeswoman.

Mark Quinn, Courland managing partner, says: “We are at a very early stage of a long process. We want to ensure that we get the right candidate who is able to continue to move the RMIF forward.” Quinn adds that he is not working to fixed a timescale.

Courland recently helped BEN, the motor industry charity, to appoint Gerard Barclay as its new chief executive.