New chief executive revealed for AM100 dealer group

A new chief executive has been announced for AM100 dealer group AWR Holdings UK.

The company, whose 30 dealerships trade under the Brayleys brand, has appointed former Europcar executive Jose Blanco to replace Paul Brayley in the CEO seat.

Brayley will transition to a non-executive director role on the board.

"Having founded and successfully led the company since its inception in 2003, Paul's new role will see him serve as an ambassador for the group, offering strategic guidance on the UK automotive sector to both the board and executive teams," said the company.

Brayley started the business in partnership with Honda UK, and expanded it over time through acquisitions and organic additions to add franchises including Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Renault and Suzuki.

He sold a significant stake in the business in 2018 to Dubai-based franchised car retailer AW Rostamani Group, which subsequently acquired Nissan dealer group Aprite and rebranded its Westway dealerships as Brayleys.

He said: "I am delighted to welcome Jose to the Brayleys team. His wealth of experience in the international automotive industry, combined with his strategic insight, makes him the ideal leader for the next chapter of our journey.

"I am confident that under Jose’s leadership, Brayleys will continue to thrive and evolve as we work towards its next phase."

Blanco was group chief sales officer of Europcar Mobility Group. During the past five years as a member of its group executive committee he had the responsibility over the main revenue streams, including all corporate countries and franchise network.