Aston Barclay has revised its senior management structure in a move to support its customers as they respond to a “turbulent” used car market.

Aston Barclay has introduce a flatter management structure to ensure it continues to enhance its approach to meeting customers’ needs

Under the changes – which see the firm “putting its best players in their strongest positions” – group managing director Martin Potter takes on the role of auction managing director, responsible for managing relationships with the top 25 vendor customers focusing on customer and volume retention. Aston Barclay’s group auctioneers, group buyer services team and key accounts team all report into Martin.

Recently appointed group sales director Richard Cross becomes business development director, focusing on new business growth across physical and digital platforms in the dealer, fleet and OEM sectors with the business development and marketing teams reporting into him.

Northern auctions operations director Justin Lane becomes managing director, operations, with responsibility for the daily running of Aston Barclay’s network of six auction centres. An operational improvement team will work closely to maximise efficiencies through all areas across the group.

Daren Wiseman retains his role as digital director overseeing all digital product development, customer product engagement and system integration, while Tom Marley remains as managing director of The Car Buying Group.

Commenting on the changes, Neil Hodson, Aston Barclay’s group CEO, said: “We have seen the used vehicle market change dramatically during 2019 which has led to increased challenges for our vendor and buyer customers.

“These changing market dynamics, combined with our own regular internal review process, has seen us introduce a flatter management structure to ensure we continue to enhance our agile and proactive approach to meeting our customers’ needs.

“Our aim is to drive profitability for our customers via multi-channel remarketing products and services – essential elements for future success,” he added.