The Retail Motor Industry Federation has announced that Jeffrey Mack will fill a new role as head of bodyshop and recovery services following the departure of Bob Hood earlier this year.

Under Hood, the RMI's bodyshop operation was part of the Independent Garage Division. Now renamed Bodyshop and Recovery Division, it becomes a standalone structure within the RMI.

“Jeffrey Mack will fill a new role dedicated to serving the interests of our membership who have bodyshop and recovery services,” says Ray Holloway, head of the Independent Garage Division. “We see this change of structure as a positive step which helps us focus on the interests of specialist companies within the bodyshop and recovery sectors.”

Mack takes up the job on July 28. He was recently employed creating and implementing quality standard schemes for major car manufacturers, including Toyota and Honda.

“Wider experience is drawn from his time in bodyshop sales, marketing and management, as well as his time in the aftersales sector,” says Holloway. “He is fully conversant with current industry issues and with the business climate within the bodyshop sector. Jeff's enthusiasm for the industry is obvious. I look forward to RMI members benefiting from his contribution.”

Hood surprised the industry when he resigned from his role as independent garage and bodyshop director in May. At the time, RMI chief executive Matthew Carrington said: “We are sorry to lose Bob, but wish him well in his future career. We will now seek a replacement with specialist knowledge and experience.”