Former managing director of Ryland Honda has returned to north west retailing group Smith Knight Fay as brand director of its Toyota franchises – which covers the Culvers dealerships.

John, 47, renews his career with the Greater Manchester-based company, after six-and-a-half years.

His three decades of experience in vehicle retailing includes stints at Anderson Saab and William Arnold. In his previous 11 years with Smith Knight Fay John rose to become sales director.