Sam Watkins appointed sales director of Cox Automotive Europe

Cox Automotive Europe has created a new sales director role as part of a move to strengthen its senior leadership team working with customers.

Sam Watkins, currently commercial director for Manheim Vehicle Services (MVS), has been promoted to the new sales director role, reporting directly into James Leese, chief customer officer for Cox Automotive Europe.

Watkins takes up her new sales role on June 7.

As part of her new role, Watkins will assume responsibility for several areas of Cox Automotive Europe’s enterprise sales approach, continuing to bring its sales functions ‘closer together’ and promoting its connected proposition to customers and prospects, said Cox Automotive.

Leese commented: "Many of our larger OEM and fleets customers are now looking for connected solutions across the UK and Europe.

"We are well-placed to offer these solutions using multiple products and services across the Cox Automotive portfolio.

"We need to ensure we are structured appropriately to work with both existing customers and prospects to meet their requirements.”

During her time at MVS, Watkins played an ‘instrumental role’ in retaining and winning major new contracts from vehicle manufacturers, finance, and fleet operators, as well as opening ‘wider opportunities’ for Cox Automotive in other business areas, the company said.

Prior to joining Cox Automotive, Watkins has held senior positions at several vehicle manufacturers and as a dealer principal in the retail sector.

She was also chair of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) for two years up to January 21, and currently remains as a board director.

Cox Automotive insight and strategy director Philip Nothard was elected as the new chair of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA), succeeding Watkins.

Watkins added: “I am delighted to move into this role at a crucial point in the expansion of our enterprise sales function. Enabling the success of our customers by providing wide ranging value driven solutions underpins the approach of Cox Automotive’s sales strategy.”

Cox Automotive International president Martin Forbes and Manheim Auction Services and NextGear Capital MD Liam Quegan have recently joined the Automotive 30% Club.