Autotech Group hires new commercial director from the IMI

Autotech Group has appointed Mark Armitage FIMI to the newly created role of commercial director.

A former trainer for the Ford dealer network, Armitage joins the automotive recruitment and training business Autotech from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) where he was recently head of memberships and product services.

He will now be tasked with driving growth of Autotech Group’s four divisions – Recruit, Training, Academy and Connect.

Alongside senior management positions within the IMI, Armitage was also instrumental in setting them up as an Apprentice End Point Assessment Organisation.

Armitage said: “The IMI does a tremendous job in supporting the sector and, after eight years with them, I have cultivated a strong team who will succeed me and continue to drive forward the IMI with their own fresh ideas.

“There is no getting away from the fact that the skills shortage is leaving a lasting legacy on the automotive industry and there are currently 26,000 vacancies within the sector.

“Over the years, I have got to know Gavin and the team at Autotech Group, and I have always been impressed with the company’s tenacity and ability to tackle the issues facing the sector head on.”

Armitage said the recent addition of Autotech Connect to the company’s portfolio cemented his desire to work with the business.

Gavin White, chief executive of Autotech Group, said: “While having a great reputation within the sector, and strong industry connections, his experience, from being an automotive apprentice through to training and development roles and driving forward the IMI, really makes him an excellent fit within our business.

“We are looking forward to seeing how Mark will drive our company divisions forward and take our expertise to new, untapped sub sectors of the industry.”