F&I Management & Training

Ridgeway’s group managing director Daksh Gupta will become Marshall Motor Group’s next CEO from November 1.

Gupta joined Ridgeway as group managing director in April this year, but will stay as a non-executive director.

David Newman, chairman of Ridgeway Motor Group, gave his blessing to the appointment.

He said: “Daksh has done a fantastic job for us in the time he has been with us. He has helped to re-engineer our business and made us fitter, not only for the current climate but also for the future.

“While we are sad to be losing Daksh full time, he will still be supporting Ridgeway which we are pleased about. He joins Marshall with our blessing, support and best wishes.”

Gupta will continue to work with Ridgeway one day a month to carry on assisting the group on processes, reporting, supplier relationships and business advantage strategies'.

Ridgeway CEO John O’Hanlon will resume full operational control for the group following Gupta’s departure as group managing director.

Robert Marshall, Marshall executive chairman, told AM that he had chosen Gupta for his ‘ambition, not because he will do what I tell him to do’.

Marshall said: “I don’t want a safe pair of hands, I want someone who will kick us into the next stage of motor history. I expect the appointment will raise some eyebrows."

Gupta said: "The company has a strong pedigree and history and to be leading the business into a new era is hugely exciting. Marshall and I are very much aligned with our core values, we understand the importance of relationships which I am committed to maintaining and developing.

“There is no question in my mind that this is one of the best jobs in the retail automotive industry and I look forward to helping Marshall achieve the substantial growth opportunities which clearly exist for this company. In addition, I am also delighted to be continuing my association with Ridgeway as non-executive director.

DATED: 30.10.08

FEED: AM