AutoProtect Group appoints Mike Edwards as chief sales and marketing officer

AutoProtect Group has welcomed former Pendragon head of finance & insurance Mike Edwards as its new chief sales and marketing officer.

Edwards is set to lead the firm’s corporate sales, strategic account development and marketing functions. He will also head up its partnerships, OEM and integration strategies, as well as DealTrak’s finance lender and broker activities.

The post was previously held by former Manheim and Aston Barclay managing director Tim Hudson, who has since moved to SMH Fleet Solutions as CEO.

Prior to his role at Pendragon, Edwards spend 14-years at Mercedes Benz Retail Group, most latterly as group finance & insurance manager. 

He said: “I am delighted to be joining AutoProtect Group at such an exciting time for the group. I have joined a fantastic team with a fantastic proposition that gives AutoProtect Group a real edge in what is a transformative time for our industry.

“I am truly passionate about our industry and we have some amazing people and businesses in our sector. I am really looking forward to engaging with those businesses and working closely with our partners to ensure that we fully support the network by offering a strong proposition across the entire distribution chain.”

This latest appointment supports AutoProtect Group’s ongoing commitment to build strategic partnerships with the automotive sector. The company says collaboration and growth are "paramount" at a time of evolution and change for the industry. 

Group CEO Matthew Briggs added: “The evolution of motor retailing and F&I continues to accelerate, led by digitisation, regulatory change and increasing customer-centricity. We see Mike’s appointment, given his experience, retailing insight and passion for F&I, as a clear statement of our commitment to taking the lead in collaborating and supporting all of our clients across the sector. We are genuinely excited to have him on board.”

AutoProtect Group strengthened its marketing team in 2020, with the appointment of DealTrak marketing manager Kate Swinscoe as its head of marketing. Her appointment followed the Group’s acquisition of DealTrak in December 2019.