AutoProtect Group appoints former Manheim and Aston Barclay MD

AutoProtect Group has appointed former Manheim and Aston Barclay managing director Tim Hudson to the newly-created role of chief sales and marketing officer.

Hudson has extensive experience in the automotive industry in the UK and overseas, including senior board and C-level roles including in the leasing, manufacturer, auction and most recently automotive data and software sectors.

Prior to joining AutoProtect Group, Hudson has held roles as director of Automotive Software Solutions, managing director for the Manheim UK vehicle auction business and CEO for Manheim Asia Pacific, responsible for the Australia, New Zealand and Thai markets.

He was also managing director at Aston Barclay Group and LeasePlan International.

Matthew Briggs, the chief executive of AutoProtect Group, said: “Tim’s experience across the automotive eco-system and deep insights into the evolving way people buy and use cars, the changing distribution models for new and used cars and the rapidly increasing digitisation of virtually every sector demands fresh thinking.

“We are determined to be at the forefront in leading positive change finding different and innovative ways to serve our customers. Tim’s experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable in leading this strategy.”

Tara Williams, chief risk and compliance officer at Autoprotect Group and i-Comply managing director, suggested that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) changes to the motor finance sector should be embraced as a “promotional and profit opportunity” by used car dealers.

AutoProtect Group described Hudson’s appointment as a “signal of the group’s ambition and commitment to growth”.

Hudson said: “The car distribution sector is already undergoing disruption, and this will only accelerate. It’s up to forward-looking players like AutoProtect Group to lead the call for disruption from within.

“Challenging the existing model is not a threat; it is an opportunity. I’m looking forward to the positive discussions and actions that we and our partners, existing and new, can create to deliver fresh, agile support propositions that make us vital to vehicle buyers/users.”