Vertu Motors has made two senior appointments to its leadership team as it continues to consolidate its position in the UK’s motor retail sector.

The group, which is the third largest automotive retailer in the UK, has promoted Anthony Masterson to operations director for BMW & MINI, while new hire Ian Wilson has joined as franchise director for Citroen.

These strategic appointments come as the Vertu Motors group continues to pursue its growth plans and solidify its dominant position in the UK motor retail sector.

Wilson’s appointment represents a full circle within his career in the industry. One of his first roles in the ‘90s was within sales at Bristol Street Motors, which was the first acquisition made by Vertu Motors more than 16 years ago.

After ten years at Lookers, and having held several successful roles within TrustFord and Reg Vardy, Wilson will now oversee the group’s Bristol Street Motors Citroen dealerships across the UK and be responsible for driving brand growth.

Wilson said: "It’s a happy coincidence that I am now going to be overseeing part of a brand that I worked for nearly 30 years ago, before the Vertu Motors group was even conceived. The brand and I have certainly come a long way in the three decades since I last wore a Bristol Street Motors tie.”

Masterson’s promotion comes after three years as franchise director for BMW & MINI, during which time Vertu became the leading BMW Motorrad retailer in the UK and after having received many dealership awards from BMW.

Masterson spent 20 years working with the BMW brand, including as shareholder and director at Knights BMW and franchise director at Marshall Motors. In 2020, while working as a consultant, he supported Vertu with the £28 million acquisition of 12 BMW and MINI sales outlets in five locations from Inchcape.

Masterson said: “It is an incredible honour to take up this new position. I have been fortunate to work with an exceptional team and receive support from Vertu’s board as we look to explore the opportunities ahead.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors, said: "“With these new appointments, we are well-positioned to continue our upward trajectory, deliver outstanding results, and solidify our position as a driving force in the UK motor retail sector.”