Dealer Auction appoints Damien Smith as national account director

Dealer Auction has appointed Auto Trader’s client development director Damien Smith as national account director.

Smith will work with manufacturers, fleets, captive finance houses and large retailers as he assumes responsibility for growing existing relationships with major clients and the acquisition of new large-scale customers in his new role.

He will also help clients optimise their vehicle remarketing processes, Dealer Auction said.

Dealer Auction chief executive Le Etta Pearce, who was interviewed by AM for the latest ‘5 Minutes With…’ supplier Q&A feature, said: “Dealer Auction is growing at pace and attracting a lot of interest from large vendors looking to modernise their remarketing operations.

“With the likes of MG, Nissan, Renault, Mobilize and Hyundai using our open and closed networks to remarket their vehicles faster and more profitably than ever, it’s right we reinforce our capabilities and expertise in this area in preparation for further growth.

“Damien’s personality and experience is a perfect fit and we’re really happy to have him on board.”

Smith's appointment was the trade-to-trade online used car stocking platform Dealer Auction has announced the appointment of Ian Armitage as technology director, in November.

Commenting on his new appointment, Smith said: “Dealer Auction is an exciting business with a great culture and is doing some genuinely impressive things with technology to improve the remarketing experience.

“The potential the platform offers sellers with large volumes of vehicles to drive efficiencies, improve returns and give them greater control over their stock and is huge.

“To be offered the chance to play a part in the company’s growth – and our customers success – is an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.”