James Douglas, currently sales director at VW, has been appointed as the new manufacturer and network partnerships director at Motability Operations.

James Douglas will lead Motability Operations’ manufacturer and dealer teams

Douglas will join Motability Operations in the autumn to lead the company’s manufacturer and dealer teams, drawing on more than 20 years of automotive experience.

He joined the Volkswagen Group in 2012 as head of fleet in Audi before taking on the role as head of sales operations for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in 2017, where he is credited with having led the brand through a transformative period.

His background also includes 13 years at Nissan GB where he held board-level roles as corporate sales director and LCV sales and marketing director. He became sales director at Volkswagen UK in April 2021.

Commenting on the new appointment, Damian Oton, Motability Operations chief commercial officer, said: “The automotive industry is evolving, significantly and at pace. Manufacturer-dealer relationships are changing, the transition to EVs is complex, there’s an explosion of new market entrants and more. It brings exciting opportunities and an impact on our customers’ experience.

“James has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, with expertise across a range of senior and board-level positions. He will develop and deliver our dealer and manufacturer strategy, building on the existing partnerships we have and developing new ones, ensuring we continue to provide a market-leading leasing product with outstanding levels of customer service and satisfaction.

“We provide independent mobility for more than 670,000 disabled people and their families. I’m delighted that James is joining us to help navigate the changing landscape to make sure none of our customers are left behind.”

James Douglas said: “I’ve spent the last 20 years working for manufacturers’ national sales companies and I’m proud to have supported the Motability Scheme throughout my many years in the industry. I have a long-standing professional and personal respect for the Scheme and the life-changing impact it has for so many people.

“Car manufacturers are moving into an EV future, while at the same time developing distribution structures to engage customers in digital environments, and I’m excited to help Motability Operations navigate through the market changes. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in to make sure we achieve the best possible outcomes for customers.”