AM100 leader Sytner’s CEO to retire, successor named

After an illustrious 40-year career in the automotive industry, including two decades with Sytner Group and the last ten years as its chief executive, Darren Edwards has announced his retirement.

Under his charge, Sytner now owns a sixth of the entire UK network of BMW and Mini dealerships, following the completion of its December 2023 takeover of the majority of fellow AM100 dealer group Rybrook, gaining 15 sites delivering annual revenue nearing £800 million.

It was Sytner's largest expansion with franchised dealerships since its 2012 takeover of Isaac Agnew Group in Northern Ireland, making it the first dealer group ever in the UK to be on the way to £8 billion turnover.

After the Agnew acquisition, Sytner shifted its focus to build a strong used car supermarket division through takeovers of CarShop and The Car People.

But this decade, the focus was placed on acquiring well-fitting franchised dealerships. In 2022 Sytner acquired the north London market area from Mercedes-Benz Retail Group, adding five dealerships, just months after its takeover of BMW dealer group Specialist Cars.

Roger Penske, chair and CEO of Penske Automotive Group, Sytner Group’s parent company, commented on Edwards’ retirement, said: “Darren’s leadership and operational contributions have led to significant growth of our UK operations. Under his guidance, Sytner has become synonymous with excellence in the marketplace, with our OEM partners and amongst our 10,600 team members.

“Over the past ten years our revenue has doubled, and our team has grown by nearly 4,000 people. Most importantly, Darren has always put “team” first, which has resulted in numerous industry awards including the Sunday Times Best Company to Work for.

“Darren will be greatly missed at Sytner and by the Penske organisation and we wish him and his wife Nicky, a joyous next chapter of their lives.”

Penske also announced Edwards’ successor John Cragg who will be relocating to the UK to serve as the new CEO of Sytner Group.

Cragg’s career with Sytner spans 18 years, beginning as a sales executive in 1994. He has since risen through the ranks, holding progressively significant roles, including divisional managing director of our Audi division. In 2012, John was appointed executive vice president, east operations for PAG.

He will relocate to the UK in early October and collaborate with Edwards during a transition period, officially assuming the CEO role on January 1.

Reflecting on his career, Edwards said “Over the past 40 years I have had the privilege to be part of this amazing and diverse industry. Having started as an apprentice in 1984 and retiring in 2024 as CEO of one of the UK’s most admired dealer groups, my career has been an incredibly rewarding journey and I will remain forever grateful to Roger, the teams at Penske and Sytner and the many personalities who have supported me over all these years.

“With John as CEO, I know the group has an extremely bright future. Looking ahead, I am excited at the prospect of spending quality time with my wife Nicky, our daughters Charlotte and Ella and our growing family”.