John Church, chairman of Group Tyre (UK), stepped down at the start of April on health grounds.

His departure, 10 years after starting the business, has prompted management changes at the company, which distributes a number of tyre brands nationally such as Maxxis and Stunner, and is partner in several UK carmaker’s tyre replacement programmes, including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Subaru and ChryslerJeep.

Larry Cross has taken on a new role of coordinating director, now the group’s most senior position, which will involve him overseeing all its business activities. Nick Manning, formerly of Continental Tyres UK, has stepped into Cross’s previous role of director of purchasing.

Karl Naylor will remain director of commercial operations, responsible for its car dealership department, and John Dunleavy continues in the financial controller role.

The company is currently focusing on dealers, by highlighting the profit and customer retention benefits that can be achieved by providing a replacement tyre service. It has a dedicated support team, which provides training, equipment and sales analysis for dealer partners.