Damien O’Sullivan has been appointed as the new managing director of Volkswagen Group UK

Damien O’Sullivan has been appointed managing director of Volkswagen Group UK, succeeding Alex Smith, who is leaving the company at his own request.

O’Sullivan joins Volkswagen Group UK from Volkswagen Group Ireland, where he held the position of Audi brand director for the past three years.

Before that, he spent six years in the group’s overseas and China regions as vice president of Audi dealer development at the company’s FAW joint venture business in Changchun, China, and as director of Audi aftersales at NSC in Taiwan.

His career began as a credit analyst at AIB Capital Markets in Dublin. He joined the Volkswagen Group Ireland as Finance Controller in 2009 before moving into sales and after sales roles.

Smith leaves behind a strong legacy, having spent almost 15 years with Volkswagen Group UK, the last six as Group Director. He said: “I’m very proud of everything the team and networks have achieved during a period that has included Brexit, a pandemic, a supply crisis and bringing electromobility to the mass market.”

Stefan Specht, chairman of the supervisory board of Volkswagen Group UK, added: “I am delighted that Damien has accepted this new role as managing director of Volkswagen Group UK and I am confident that he is well placed to lead the most large group from Great Britain. auto group through the significant changes we know are coming.

“I would also like to thank Alex for his massive dedication and contribution over the past six years and wish him all the best for the future.”

O’Sullivan will start his new role on December 1, with Smith leaving the business after a transfer window.

Rich Hickin joins the TTC group

TTC Group has appointed education management sales professional Rich Hickin to the new role of private sector director.

He joins TTC with extensive experience in education and training, holding leadership roles in driving sales, developing strategic business plans and market growth.

His previous roles saw him work closely with educational institutions and corporate clients to deliver customized training programs, focusing on outcomes-based education and leveraging his expertise in large-scale project management.

In his new position at TTC, Rich will focus on working with TTC’s sales professionals to expand the range of technology-based training and compliance solutions.

His mission will also include identifying new opportunities in emerging sectors, diversifying TTC’s client portfolio and capitalizing on his experience in tailoring training services to specific client needs.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining the TTC Group at such an exciting point in its strategic journey of expansion and diversification, while remaining true to its core focus of people risk management.

“I will primarily work with TTC’s dedicated sales professionals to increase the uptake of the established range of technology-based training and compliance solutions for vehicles and fleets, while supporting new sectors added to TTC’s portfolio.”


Dave Marsh, CEO of TTC, added: “An experienced and highly successful sales professional, Rich has a strong history of working in the training management and education industry and his experience will be invaluable as we grow and we diversify.

“We are very excited to welcome Rich to the TTC team and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will bring to our business and customers in this new role.”

Data Expert to Lead the Cap HPI Commercial Vehicle Assessment Team

Dionne Hanlon has been appointed Commercial Vehicle and Motorcycle Lead Editor for Cap HPI’s review team, replacing Julian Pullen, who is leaving the business to pursue other interests.

The role sees Hanlon promoted to further develop and expand the reach of the leading automotive data business.

She has 20 years of experience in the automotive sector, having risen through the ranks at Cap HPI over the past 12 years, firstly as an LCV database specialist in the LCV assessment team and then promoted to manager of forecast for commercial vehicles in 2022.

She will report to Derren Martin, Director of Assessments. He said: “Dionne is a major asset to the team with over 20 years of valuable experience and an impeccable record here at Cap HPI over the past 12 years.

“Having originally joined the business at the same time as me, she has a fantastic understanding of the commercial vehicle and motorcycle industry and our data and is thoroughly deserving of this promotion.”

Hanlon added: “The industry is currently experiencing one of the biggest technological changes in decades. Advances and developments in the automotive sector are transforming the driving experience and challenging traditional business models and industry norms, so staying at the forefront of innovation is essential.

“I’m excited to be a part of this and proud to be part of the team that commands trust and respect across the industry for its data-driven knowledge and expertise in commercial vehicles and motorcycles.”

Nicola Veratelli was appointed the new CEO of Apcoa

European car park operator Apcoa has appointed Nicola Veratelli as its new chief executive.

He succeeds Bert Pijls, who has been interim executive chairman since June 2024 and will now resume his role as chairman.

Prior to joining Apcoa, Veratelli was CEO of Octo Telematics. His management experience also includes senior positions in global businesses such as Hertz International.

Pijls said: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract someone of Nicola’s caliber to this role, and his international hands-on experience in operational management, technology transformation and strategy execution will be very beneficial as we at APCOA continue our work. technology-driven growth path.”

Veratelli added: “I am delighted to be joining a quality business Apcoa. With its market leadership position and exciting growth agenda, I look forward to leading the company on the next phase of its journey.”

Veratelli will take over as chief executive on December 1.

Priority Freight appoints Andreas Schwertfeger

Priority Freight has appointed Andreas Schwertfeger as its new sales director, at the forefront of maritime logistics.

He joins Priority Freight from Crane Worldwide Logistics, where he led account management for the EMEA region.

Schwertfeger will oversee sales strategies across Europe for the maritime logistics sector and lead initiatives to expand the market and improve customer relationships.

“Priority Freight is delighted to welcome Andreas, a proven industry leader, to our senior team,” said Stuart Stobie, Commercial Director at Priority Freight.

“His dedication to excellence and deep understanding of various sectors aligns perfectly with our mission to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Andreas’ leadership will undoubtedly play a critical role in driving our maritime logistics growth and ensuring we deliver the exceptional service our customers depend on.”

Schwertfeger added, “I look forward to leveraging my experience in logistics and account management to contribute to Priority Freight’s continued growth and success.”

Bristol Waste appoints new managing director

Bristol Waste Company has appointed Richard Williams as its new managing director, replacing interim MD Dave Knight.

Prior to joining Bristol Waste, Williams held senior roles at companies including Aldi, McCarthey Stone and Brigid Investments.

“I am delighted to be joining Bristol Waste at such an exciting time,” he said. “Bristol has held the crown for the biggest recycling city in England for eight years, which is a phenomenal achievement, but I think we can take it even further.”

As MD, he will oversee the company’s operations, strategic direction and sustainability initiatives.