Cazoo’s Theo Kortland joins mfldirect as managing director

Mfldirect has appointed Theo Kortland as managing director of its new vehicle refurbishment centre in Leicestershire.

The former Cazoo UK chief of production will oversee the redevelopment of mfldirect’s 22-acre site into a state-of-the-art vehicle conditioning centre, doubling the company’s existing capacity for the assessment, imaging and refurbishment of vehicles.

Having previously worked alongside mfldirect during his time as managing director of Smart Fleet Solutions – the company’s former refurbishment partner – Kortland brings more than 25 years of automotive industry experience to the role.

Kortland said: “My ambitions for the site reflect the ethos and values of mfldirect and what the company aims to achieve for its customers. This includes offering the latest innovations in repair technology and delivering great quality vehicles with minimal impact on the environment.

“As a people-centric business, creating a safe and exciting place to work will be a top priority, with a strong focus on training, empowerment and nurturing excellence.”

Damian Oton, managing director - Fleet at mfldirect, added: “Having worked with Theo for many years, I know that his analytical approach to the industry balanced with a real passion to do the right thing for the customer is an ideal fit for mfldirect. His experience in leading the Smart Fleet Solutions team and more recently at Cazoo gives him a great perspective to bring our ambitious plans for the Coalville site to life.”

Online car retailer Cazoo is battling to reduce its cost base as it announced a £243 million loss from the first half of 2022, more than double its losses in H1 2021.

The business revealed, in June, that it wants to cut costs by £200 million by the end of 2023, which will include around 750 job cuts.

Having grown rapidly through acquisitions since its launch, Cazoo said it will downscale the business to a more sustainable size and aim for profitable growth.