Daksh Gupta confirmed as new boss of non automotive firm Huws Gray Group

Daksh Gupta has vowed to maintain his interest into motor retailing after he revealed he has accepted a business leadership role outside the automotive sector.

AM Hall of Fame inductee Gupta has been announced as the incoming chief executive of Huws Gray Group, a major UK building merchant with more than 5,000 staff across more than 300 trading and distribution locations.

The former chief executive of Marshall Motor Group, who left after its sale to Constellation Automotive, is due to start the role in the New Year, but he will remain a vice president of the Institute of the Motor Industry and a trustee of automotive charity Ben.

Terry Owen, chairman and founder of Huws Gray Group, said: "Daksh is a dynamic, values-driven business leader who has a diverse background of experiences and an outstanding track record."

Since leaving Marshall, Gupta has considered a number of leadership roles, inside automotive and outside, but remained very selective about what he wanted to do and with who.

On the appointment at Huws Gray Group, he said: “Some people will be surprised I chose to switch sectors having had a reasonably successful and long career in automotive.

“However, my decision was easy, based on the people I met, the company culture, long term track record, future prospects and ambition for the group."

“Automotive will always have a special place in my heart as I love the sector, especially the people who I have worked with as colleagues or as business partners over the years."

Currently he is doing consultancy work with Ford of Europe as the company plans a switch to agency contracts.