Manheim has appointed former Jaguar Land Rover director Peter Bell to lead the remarketing business through its “next phase of growth and development” as its new managing director.

Bell has joined the remarketing services division of Cox Automotive, from a role as JLR’s global financial services director, a post he held after a period as Volkswagen Financial Services’ chief operating officer.

Cox Automotive chief executive, Michael Buxton, said: "Peter is an accomplished business leader, with extensive operational, commercial and customer delivery experience in the financial services and automotive sectors. 

“He is a very strong addition to the Cox Automotive leadership team and I am confident that he is the right person to lead Manheim through its next phase of growth and development."

Manheim has 16 auction centres across the country and operates both physical and online auctions.

It also offers a range of upstream remarketing solutions including reconditioning through its Vehicle Solutions business, logistics and transportation via Movex and a full inspect and collect service.

Bell said that it was “a great time to be joining Manheim”, adding: “My focus will be on helping our customers to grow their businesses using Manheim's comprehensive offering, as it is the only remarketing business in the UK that offers complete end-to-end value creating solutions and is uniquely placed to offer its customers a forward-thinking remarketing service." 

Buxton added: "Manheim is a major focus for growth for Cox Automotive in 2018 and beyond. We have clear plans to make wholesale stock management smarter and simpler for manufacturers, leasing companies and dealers and I am excited to see this come to life with Peter's guidance and leadership."

Martin Forbes, chief operating officer at Cox Automotive UK, said: "We have an incredible depth of knowledge in the Manheim team and a true understanding of our customers' needs, and by bringing  Peter in to this business, I believe he will add a new dimension, as he focuses on continuing to develop Manheim as a customer focussed, end-to-end remarketing partner.”