Brown swaps Allen Ford for Birchwood

Former Essex Auto Group and Allen Ford senior executive Matt Brown has joined Birchwood Group as its director of digital transition.

South of England based Birchwood is delighted with its new appointment, who has decades of experience of the motor industry, initially in aftersales before working for digital agencies and their automotive clients and then in 2008 as group marketing director of Essex Auto Group, a position which expanded with its acquisition by Allen Ford, the UK operation of South Africa's Supergroup.

That put Brown in the group marketing director role for the entire Allen Ford AM100 dealer group.

"Matt created his own in-house team of specialists who all stayed with him until his leaving for Birchwood. Matt and that team's work won several awards, while he has become a well-respected figure in the industry for his marketing skills and endeavours," said Birchwood's statement.

Brown, reflecting on his departure from Allen Ford, wrote on LinkedIn: "I want to express my deep gratitude for all the people and companies who have shared my journey over the past 16 years. It's been an honour and a privilege to work with such dedicated and passionate individuals."

He added: "When I embark on my new chapter, please know that the memories forged here will remain cherished. I leave with a sense of fulfilment, carrying invaluable experiences and learnings."

Birchwood, which also operates Azur Skoda and Destination Triumph dealerships, is looking to recruit a director of people and culture "to shape our culture and drive our transformation and energize our dedicated and enthusiastic teams". 

With some 230 staff, Birchwood says in its advert that it have begun an inspiring transformation journey to "a sustainable, energizing future for our business, our customers and our people".