City Auction Group makes multiple senior appointments

City Auction Group makes multiple senior appointments

Time Stamp: April 5, 2024 4:09 AM
Source Node: 2537391

City Auction Group has appointed four new senior members of its team following record growth over the last year.

The business has seen a surge of 47% in sales over the last 12 months across its sites in Peterborough and Northern Ireland.

The business has also doubled its headcount over the last year to keep pace with its expansion.

Mark Thomas has joined the Peterborough-based vehicle remarketing and logistics operator as new corporate sales director.

Thomas joins from TL Darby VW, but has worked in the sector for the last three decades working in senior management roles at BCA, MBFS, Fiat/Alfa Romeo and Adesa.

In his new role at City Auction Group, Thomas will be responsible for further developing the business across both the corporate and dealer markets with particular emphasis on manoeuvring the dealer/part exchange sale to a stand-alone evening sale on Monday 5pm from May 2024.

This will coincide with the expansion at the Peterborough centre of a new 150 vehicle indoor viewing arena and enhanced acreage in the parking zone for sale vehicles. 

Thomas said: “I have witnessed the growth at City Auction Group and I’m delighted to be joining at the present time as physical auctions are thriving again after the last few years of online only auctions.

“With the Group’s blend of experience and enthusiasm, it makes it a perfect combination to facilitate the growth in demand within the vehicle remarketing sector.”

Former head of aftersales and operations at Cazoo Daniel Smith will be joining the group’s logistics arm PurpleRock as the new operations director from April 15.

PurpleRock provides compound services with preparation facilities to enhance vehicle condition, PDI, inspect, valet and deliver to dealer networks or individual clients.

Smith will be responsible for developing PurpleRock’s vehicle defleet, logistics and repair solutions across all locations including new ventures to be announced in the North West and Midlands. 

Smith said: “It’s an exciting time to join the business with the imminent redevelopment of the 30 acre Wittering operation and the addition of new sites across the UK over the next three to six months.”

The group has also made two internal appointments to future proof growth within the business with Chris Martins leading the PurpleRock Logistics business taking on the role of chief operating officer with immediate effect.

Martins will be responsible for extending the PurpleRock Logistics footprint across the UK and further developing its vehicle delivery locations across the UK which is currently operating at 15 regional centres. 

Zaiga Jinkinson has also been promoted to operations director at City Auction Group ‘after her dedication and passion has revitalised the back office and customer journey’.

In her new role, Jinkinson will be responsible for the auction operations including planning, execution, and post auction activities. 

Jinkinson said: “I am eager to contribute my skills and experiences to a team known for its innovative approach to the remarketing industry.

“It’s truly inspiring to get the chance to collaborate with such talented individuals as Michael Tomalin and Darren Betteridge and the City Auction Group team.”

Michael Tomalin, City Auction Group chief executive, said: “These four new appointments represent a major investment for the group taking our operations to the next level.

“We are now poised to become the powerhouse remarketing centre in the Midlands and East Anglia.

“We are also expanding PurpleRock across the UK with more locations to offer market leading solutions for secure storage and the complete portfolio of vehicle preparation service standards.”

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