Vertu Motors has promoted Honda Grantham general manager Mark Goode to the newly-created role of Vertu Motorcycles division brand director following the acquisition of BMW Motorrad Sunderland.

The biking enthusiast will take charge of all three of the AM100 PLC’s motorcycle sites – Vertu Honda Grantham, Vertu Honda Nottingham and BMW Motorrad Sunderland – in his new role.

Vertu’s creation of the new post follows its December 7 completion of a deal to acquire 12 BMW, Mini and BMW Motorrad franchised motor retail outlets across five locations from Inchcape’s Cooper BMW division.

Additionally, the Vertu’s Honda Nottingham motorcycle site is due to merge with the brand’s car showroom creating what the group described as “a supersite”.

AM reported in November that Vertu had begun recruitment for a BMW and Mini car retail division, following the publication of a job advert for an aftersales director.

ertu Motors chief executive Robert ForresterCommenting on the promotion of Goode this week, Vertu chief executive Robert Forrester, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mark as our brand director for Vertu Motorcycles.

“Mark has been a committed colleague for many years, and I’m pleased to see his career go from strength to strength.

“Creating this position, and its recent growth following the acquisition of Vertu BMW Motorrad Sunderland, demonstrates our commitment to our motorcycle division.”

Goode started his career as a sales executive 20 years ago at Honda Boston, which was acquired in 2007 by Vertu Motors.

He has been an enthusiastic biker for many years, getting his first motorcycle aged 14, and has owned eight bikes throughout the past 28 years including his current motorbike which is a Honda African Twin.

Commenting on his new role, Goode said: “I’m really pleased to have been promoted to Vertu Motorcycles brand director.

“This has come at an exciting time for the business as we welcome our new colleagues at Vertu BMW Motorrad Sunderland.

“I am looking forward to working with newer colleagues in the North, and former colleagues at our Grantham and Nottingham sites, as we develop this alternative branch of the business.

“Vertu Motors has very strong values, that align with my personal values as a family man. The Group prides itself on the support and development of colleagues in the business, which explains my 20 years’ long service.”