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Hendy expands Operational Board as part of regional restructure

Hendy expands Operational Board as part of regional restructure
2 min read Published 5 Feb 25

Hendy Group has expanded its Operational Board – with the addition of two new members and changes in role for two others – as it transitions to a new regional operating model. The move sees the creation of three new Regional Operational Directors responsible for overseeing the Group’s core territories across the south of England, as well as the introduction of a new Group Aftersales Director position. All will report to Duncan McPhee, who became Hendy’s Chief Operating Officer last October.

Paul Murrells, Hendy’s current Director of New Vehicle Operations, becomes Regional Operational Director for the ‘East’ area. He will be joined by two recruits from outside the business, David Cooper and John Stone, who become Regional Operational Directors for ‘Central’ and ‘West’, respectively. Pete Walker, currently Group Service and Bodyshop Director, will take on the new role of Group Aftersales Director.

In his most recent role, Cooper was Franchise Director at Lookers, where he spent over 14 years representing brands such as BMW, MINI, Volvo, Polestar and JLR.

Stone started out as a sales manager at Hendy Group, followed by 20 years in managerial positions including Head of Business at Harwoods and Operations Director at HR Owen, most recently spending six months at Lookers.

Murrells has been with Hendy since 2016, joining through the acquisition of Lifestyle Motor Group, where he spent 15 years as Group Sales Director. During his time in the industry, he has represented over 15 brands, including Ford, JLR and Kia.

Walker, who joined Hendy through the acquisition of Westover Group in 2019, brings over 20 years’ experience of aftersales and workshop operations to his new role as Aftersales Director.

“These are critical senior appointments, ensuring we are able to define and deliver on an exciting new vision for the Group and maintain our strong growth trajectory,” comments Chief Executive of Hendy Group, Paul Hendy. “We received a high volume of interest from prospective candidates – both from within and outside the business – underlining our reputation in the wider motor retail sector, as well as the great sense of ‘followship’ that Duncan has fostered since he joined.”

Duncan McPhee, Chief Operating Officer at Hendy Group, adds: “We’re really pleased to continue being an employer of choice, and to be growing our Board of Directors with the addition of such capable and well-proven new colleagues. The expanded Board will ensure alignment with our Group objectives and foster operational excellence across all areas of the business.”

Hendy Group is ranked in the top 20 listings of the UK’s biggest dealer groups with a 2024 turnover exceeding £1bn, and it currently represents over 20 automotive brands at numerous locations across the South Coast.