Yorkshire based dealer group JCT600 have named Paul Walters as the managing director designate for their highly successful vehicle leasing operation, JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions (JCT600 VLS). Walters will take over when fleet industry legend Andrew Mann retires at the end of December 2016.
Mann has been MD since 1996 and was part of the original launch team for the business in 1988 and has overseen it’s growth to a fleet size of 7,000 vehicles and 45 staff.
Walters joined JCT600 VLS as sales director of in December 2014 from GE Capital where he held a number of senior sales positions in both its UK and International divisions.
JCT600 Chief Executive John Tordoff described JCT600 VLS as “The jewel in the crown” during a 2015 interview with Motor Trade News.
Talking about the move, Mann said, “While I’m sorry to be leaving, having been here since the start of the company, I feel that I’ve probably contributed as much as I can. My colleagues, both in the company and in the wider JCT600 group, have done a great job working with me to build a thriving stand-alone business. We’ve always been customer focussed and have worked hard to provide high quality services at cost-effective rates. I am particularly pleased to be leaving the company in the safe hands of Paul Walters and the management team.”
Walters adds, “Andrew’s retirement marks the end of an era. His passion, knowledge, commitment and expertise have been instrumental in the success of the company. There are undoubtedly challenging, but exciting times ahead. The imminent BIK changes, the rise of connected and autonomous vehicles, alternative powertrains, the petrol versus diesel debate, urban low emission zones or even vehicle restricted areas and, of course, the unknown impact of Brexit for good or ill, all add to a melting pot of change, the like of which has not been seen before. I believe the next few years will see huge transformations in our market place and it will be those companies that are agile enough to swiftly adapt to these new opportunities that will reap the benefits. JCT600 VLS is extremely well placed to do just that by being part of a successful dealership group, close to the manufacturers and the increasingly innovative technology they are introducing. In addition, being a family owned company, the decision process is fast and we can react swiftly to the quickening pace of change we all face.”
Walters concludes by saying, “I am, of course, thrilled by the challenge and by the chance to continue to work with the very talented JCT600 team. We already have some very exciting developments in the pipeline, so watch this space.”
