Paul Brayley retires from AM100 dealer group AWR Holdings

After more than 20 years of dedication and leadership in building a 30-strong dealership group, Paul Brayley has taken the decision to retire. 

Since founding Brayleys in 2003, its founder has been instrumental in shaping its growth and success.

Brayleys, which today represents nine brands across 30 dealerships, spanning from north of Manchester to the south of London has seen tremendous growth over those 22 years, and prides itself in a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and for being a great place to work. 

Brayley said: “I am immensely proud of the Brayleys journey, and while I am sad to be leaving the business I founded, now is the time for me to retire.  I know I am leaving the company in capable hands.”

Former Europcar executive Jose Blanco will replace Brayley in the CEO seat while Brayley will transition to a non-executive director role on the board.

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 responsibility over the main revenue streams, including all corporate countries and franchise network

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.

.