Andrew Lawson will return to Mercedes-Benz Vans UK following his four-year assignment with MBUSA, to assume the role of Sales Director, effective from 1 July 2020.
Andrew will be responsible for the development of new customers to the Brand through the Retail, Fleet and Direct channels, as well as the retention of existing business to strengthen the commitment to keeping customers’ businesses moving as part of a partnership approach. Andrew has a wealth of experience in the LCV sector, having worked for the Three-Pointed Star for 15 years and, prior to this, for Citroen UK. During his assignment in America, Andrew was instrumental in the acquisition of many new clients to the brand, notably Amazon and US Postal Service, amongst others.
As part of this new appointment to the Brand, Simon Neill will move from his current position as Sales Director to Customer Services Director, and will therefore succeed David Joyce, who moved over to the Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK business in February of this year.
Simon will have responsibility for all aspects of Customer Service and will focus on the customer-centric approach ‘post sale’ to maximise the value of the Brand to the customer. Customer loyalty and retention will be a key focus moving forward, with topics such as electrification, digitalisation and connectivity being high on the agenda.
Simon has been with the Mercedes-Benz UK business for 19 years, and previously held sales and leadership positions in both the Mercedes-Benz and Ford Commercial Vehicle networks.
Both roles will continue to report into Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, who himself celebrates his 20th anniversary with the Brand this month. Steve commented: “We have a clear strategy that places the customer at the centre of everything we do, and are exceptionally proud that this focus has meant we have provided unwavering support to our customers at a time that they have needed us the most. We remain open for business, to support our clients, and ensure that their vehicle remains on the road and serving the front line.
“The return of Andy, and move of role for Simon will ensure that we continue to challenge the boundaries of the status quo, and lead from the front. While this year will continue to be challenging, we remain resolutely committed to face it alongside the van community, together, and these new roles will further strengthen our ability to do that.”
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About Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd:
Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of commercial vehicle innovation for over 120 years. From delivering the world’s first motorised van in 1896, through to the emissions-free, shape-shifting, drone-compatible Vision URBANETIC vehicles of the future, the Brand constantly drives change to keep businesses and lives moving.
Today, Mercedes-Benz Vans offers an award-winning range of cargo and people-carrying vehicles, focused on flexibility, safety, on-board technology and reliability; the small-sized Citan, versatile mid-sized Vito, the mighty Sprinter large van and chassis, and the premium X-Class pickup, as well as helping businesses of all shapes and sizes go electric with the eVito and eSprinter.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is transforming from a vehicle manufacturer, to a provider of holistic transportation and mobility solutions, and offers range of services to keep businesses moving, including free MobiloVan roadside assistance, convenient Service Care plans, funding via Mercedes-Benz Finance, Mercedes PRO connect in-built telematics, and MBUX, the world’s first voice assistant in a van.
The nationwide, round-the-clock, dedicated Dealer network is made up of 110 sites, and more than 4,000 colleagues, with the team at Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Head Office averaging more than 10 years direct experience with the Brand. Partnering with more than 7,000 customers, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK has customer relationships going back as far as 1974, with hundreds of new customers joining the Brand each year.
For more information about Mercedes-Benz Vans, please visit www.mbvans.co.uk.