Vertu Motors has appointed Richard Lawson to oversee its Volkswagen Group fleet provision and increase profitability.

Lawson (pictured) will manage 13 fleet professionals at the team’s hub and will aim to increase sales and profitability by expanding its current broker and company customer base.

He has more than 20 years’ experience in the motor retail industry, with 10 years’ exclusively in fleet, and initially joined the Group as a key account manager for Vertu Group Fleet. He has worked with the Volkswagen Group franchise throughout this time.

Lawson’s appointment is part of an ongoing investment programme to expand the Group’s fleet provision, under its newly-appointed group fleet director, Jonathan Snelson.

“In addition to a wealth of experience in the motor industry, Richard has drive and passion, which is something that cannot be taught,” said Snelson.

“He has demonstrated the skills of a natural leader in his short time with the Group, and we are fortunate to have him overseeing an integral part of the fleet division.”

Lawson said: “My team works with multiple franchises within the Volkswagen Group, including VW, Skoda, Seat and Audi, which requires them to have a number of skills, in addition to ambition and motivation.

“We have very good relationships with our existing customers, which is maintained through great customer service and the simplicity and expertise of doing business with our team, and I am confident that we have the necessary tools and talent to grow our division.”