LKQ makes new leadership appointments

Andy Hamilton, currently chief executive of LKQ UK & Ireland, is to become senior vice president of LKQ and president and executive managing director of LKQ Europe in the new year.

Kevan Wooden (pictured), currently chief commercial officer for LKQ UK & Ireland, is to succeed Hamilton. He joined LKQ Euro Car Parts in 2019 and has previously held senior commercial leadership roles at CBRE and Johnson Controls.

The news follows the announcement last week that Justin Jude was to succeed Dominick Zarcone as President and CEO of LKQ Corporation in July 2024.

Commenting on Hamilton’s appointment, Dominick Zarcone said: “Andy's extensive experience, including several years as our pan European chief commercial officer and then as CEO of our largest and most profitable European operation, makes him a natural selection to lead our European team.”

Hamilton will be succeeding Varun Laroyia, executive vice president of LKQ and chief executive officer and managing director of LKQ Europe.

He joined LKQ Euro Car Parts in 2010, which was acquired by LKQ in 2011. During his tenure at LKQ Euro Car Parts, he held several executive roles the last of which was chief operating officer in 2015. In 2016, he was appointed chief commercial officer of LKQ Europe, where he was responsible for several key pan-European projects before returning to the UK and Ireland business in 2019 to become chief executive officer.

During the last four years he has overseen a significant transformation programme that has touched everything from the company’s brand and culture to its infrastructure and digital operations, helping to drive a major uplift in its commercial performance. 

One of his final acts as CEO was to create a new LKQ UK & Ireland group of companies following the acquisition of specialist heavy vehicle motor factor Digraph earlier this year.

Commenting on the changes, Andy Hamilton said: “I’m excited to be returning to LKQ Europe at such a pivotal moment in the aftermarket’s future. The LKQ UK & Ireland group of companies are being left in exceptionally good hands with Kevan, who has been a key partner to me during the transformation of the businesses over the last four years.”