Industry veteran Maurice Howkins has joined ultra-flexible lease provider SOGO as corporate sales director.

Maurice Howkins, corporate sales director at SOGO

Howkins brings more than 50 years’ experience at General Motors, which he will use to accelerate growth at SOGO.

The business launched in the UK in late 2020 by former Citroën UK managing director Karl Howkins, offering private individuals, micro-businesses, SMEs and corporates with ultra-flexible vehicle leases from one month to four years.

It’s targeting a 5,000-strong vehicle fleet by the end of 2021, of which at least 35% will be electric vehicles as it looks to make inroads in the EV segment. It’s also planning to launch later to consumers.

Howkins’ role will see him responsible for growing corporate sales and will work closely with the sales team to pass on his years of experience.

His background at GM stretches back to 1965 and saw him most recently hold the role of European corporate sales director and prior to that fleet director for Vauxhall Motors.

Commenting on the appointment, Lee O’Connell, sales director of SOGO, said: “SOGO has ambitious growth plans, and I can’t think of a better champion for the brand than Maurice. He brings a huge amount of experience and an enviable network of contacts.”

Since its launch, SOGO has reported strong demand for its ultra-flexible service, which includes comprehensive insurance, maintenance, breakdown cover and levels of flexibility said to be industry-leading flexibility.

It’s backed by a digital-led service that will allow customers to order a vehicle in a matter of minutes, and operates nationally from a network of logistics hubs.