Fix Auto UK has appointed Mark Hutchins as the new head of its commercial team.

The body shop business' head of commercial position was recently been created to help manage the operational side of Fix Auto, according to the company.

Hutchins was previously head of franchise development at Fix Auto.

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading new business development for both franchisee partners and acquired sites, as well as oversee the brand and integration process for the entire network.

The role will report directly to Fix Auto managing director, Ian Pugh.

Hutchins joined Auto Fix in 2015 and has helped to grow its network to its current total of 107 repair centres.

Working closely alongside Pugh developing the company’s acquisition strategy has enabled Fix Auto to purchase five repair centres of its own.

Pugh said: “We are always looking to improve the franchisee partner experience for our network. The idea behind this new head of commercial role stemmed from our desire to achieve greater alignment across the various operational areas of the business.

“Mark has risen to every challenge since joining the team five years ago. He is the driving force behind the network’s continual growth and has recruited more than 30 new repairers to the Fix Auto UK family. He has also supported me with our acquisition strategy and has recently taken on the responsibility of ensuring our brand guidelines are adhered to.”

Hutchins said: “Bringing various business operations under a single commercial umbrella can only be positive as we continue to strive to improve on our industry-leading services. I am delighted Ian has asked me to initially take up this exciting new role.”

The appointment follows the promotion of Brett Wootton to the role of head of operations at Fix Auto earlier this year.