Auto Retail Live: Future of aftersales

Robert was a director of Reg Vardy plc between 2001 and 2006 where he held the roles of finance director and managing director. Robert qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen. He was also a member of the Economic Growth Board of the Confederation of British Industry. Robert founded Vertu Motors in 2006.

Sarah is responsible for Ford Aftermarket in the UK and Ireland, making sure this key revenue channel stays profitable through her oversight of Ford’s network of repairers and bodyshops. She joined Ford in 1999 from a Contract Hire background and has held a number of posts across the Marketing, Sales and Service division before taking up her current position in 2020. Her key achievements include the rollout of the Ford Certified Collision network as well as developing and delivering innovations that provide added customer convenience, like Ford Mobile Service, Ford Video Check and the Ford Liive customer uptime promise.

John has covered a wide range of positions, working at dealership, supplier, and OEM side. He has worked in senior leadership roles for major industry brands, including Lookers Plc, Volkswagen Group and Silverbullet, as well as being the Global Data Lead at APTIV, a leading autonomous and connected car technology provider. Today, John leads the data and insights activities for REALtime Communications following the successful acquisition of his own business, Autolytica in 2020.

Al has held senior executive roles with Ferrari, Maserati and the SMMT. Al started his career as a journalist and presenter with a decade working for the BBC and in commercial radio. He has a particular interest in the application of digital technology and connected car services in the automotive industry and regularly speaks at, and chairs events on, these issues.