Automotive distributor and retailer Harris Group has launched a major restructuring of the business and appointed a new senior management team, under the leadership of chief executive Denise Harris.

The company said the new appointments, together with the restructuring of the business across every division, are designed to grow and futureproof the business and strengthen the company’s reputation as a leader in the automotive industry across the UK and Ireland.

Harris Group was founded by the late Pino Harris in 1961 and is now under the leadership of his wife, Denise Harris (pictured centre).

Harrris has appointed Brian Patterson (pictured far left) as group MD. He brings two decades of motor industry experience to Harris Group and will advise on strategic direction and implementation with a brief to motivate the business to meet ambitious growth targets, with the core objective of delivering exceptional customer service in the areas of sales and aftersales.

In addition, Mark Barrett (far right) has been promoted to MD of group franchises and will lead teams in both Ireland and the UK for Harris Group distributed brands.

His new role includes growing Maxus across right-hand drive Europe, expanding Isuzu in Ireland, and bringing the Higer brand (bus and coach) to the UK market.

Barrett will also be responsible for sales and marketing functions for all brands and the development of franchise dealership networks for the company.

John Keogh (pictured right of Harris) has been appointed to the role of MD of retail operations, which sees him responsible for the ongoing digital transformation of the business and with a brief to position the company as a best-in-class digitally-led automotive retailer.

He will lead the retail sales and fulfilment teams across vans, bus and coach, parts OEM and aftermarket (CAS division).

Barry McGrane (pictured second left) has been appointed as chief financial officer. The appointment sees McGrane bring more than 30 years’ experience to the business, which includes working with both Irish and international businesses across multiple sectors, including the motor trade. He will be responsible for Harris Group’s finance and IT functions.

Announcing the strategy, Harris Group said it is poised for ”significant expansion, with double-digit growth forecast for 2024”.

Plans are already underway to open new customer showrooms at the company’s headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, aimed at enhancing accessibility and customer engagement

Harris said: ”There is a new energy that is being felt right across our business as a result of the significant changes we are making.

”Underpinning all of this change is a consistent commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service - founding values that were instilled in the company by my late husband, Pino Harris.

”Today, backed by an incredible team of visionaries, I am confident that the Harris Group will continue to grow at pace, while being recognised as both an industry leader and a pioneer in new and alternative energy vehicles for many years to come.”

Harris Group has its headquarters in Ireland and has a modern campus in Liverpool which includes offices, a parts depot and warehouse together with Harris Maxus’ proprietary technical training academy. The business has a national network of some 60 Maxus dealerships and aftersales centres in the UK.

 

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