Ultra-flexible leasing company SOGO has appointed Tristan Downs as its first head of remarketing.

As head of remarketing, Tristan Downs will manage the defleet and disposal of SOGO’s fast-growing fleet

Downs will manage the defleet and disposal of the company’s fast-growing fleet, ensuring whole-life costs are optimised.

He previously held senior roles in sales and remarketing at FCA along with Vauxhall and dealer groups, and joins recent recruits including industry veteran Maurice Howkins whose appointment as corporate sales director was announced earlier this month.

SOGO managing director Karl Howkins said: “Tristan brings a great deal of experience and industry knowledge to the role. He brings a holistic view of the industry and managing whole-life costs which will be vital to driving efficiency across our operations and enabling us to offer customers great value.”

The role is particularly pertinent as SOGO has said that at least 35% of its initial fleet will be electric vehicles and this is likely to increase over the coming months; the business is building a fleet of around 5,000 vehicles in its first year, available on leases from one month to four years.

SOGO believes short-term leasing will be essential to the mass adoption of electric vehicles, providing incentives through the low running costs and driving dynamics.

Tristan Downs said: “SOGO is bringing something really different to the market. More companies and drivers are demanding a different way to approach mobility, and our model provides them with an ultra-flexible and technology-driven service.”