James Brearley, managing director of Pendragon’s premium Stratstone division and Chatfield’s Trucks, is leaving at the end of this month after 24 years with the company.

His departure comes immediately following the announcement of record first half profits for the Stratstone division.

Brearley joined the group as a dealer principal in 1991, then moved to a group role and held responsibilities within both volume and premium manufacturers.

After Pendragon re-branded its premium businesses to Stratstone in 2004, he took on the responsibility for the Stratstone Group.

A Pendragon spokesman said: The team at Pendragon would like to thank James for his contribution to the business over the last 24 years and wish him every success in the future.”

Brearley still serves on the Jaguar Land Rover retailer board and stepped down as Jaguar dealer council chairman, a position that he held for 20 years, earlier this year.