Mfldirect has appointed Theo Kortland as managing director of its new vehicle refurbishment centre in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Theo Kortland, MD of Mfldirect’s new vehicle refurbishment centre in Leicestershire

Kortland brings a wealth of experience from over 25 years in the automotive industry. He was most recently at Cazoo as UK chief of production but also spent 7.5 years as managing director of Smart Fleet Solutions, which was acquired by Cazoo in 2021.

In his new role, he will oversee the redevelopment of Mfldirect’s 22-acre site into a state-of-the-art vehicle conditioning centre, doubling the company’s existing capacity for the assessment, imaging and refurbishment of vehicles as part of its ongoing commitment to a bold five-year vision.

He commented: “My ambitions for the site reflect the ethos and values of Mfldirect and what the company aims to achieve for its customers. This includes offering the latest innovations in repair technology and delivering great quality vehicles with minimal impact on the environment. As a people-centric business, creating a safe and exciting place to work will be a top priority, with a strong focus on training, empowerment and nurturing excellence.”

Having previously worked alongside Mfldirect during his time at Smart Fleet Solutions – the company’s former refurbishment partner – Kortland’s understanding of the business and long-term relationship with the team makes him well positioned to lead the company’s offering in this essential part of the remarketing supply chain.

Damian Oton, managing director – fleet at Mfldirect, said: “Having worked with Theo for many years, I know that his analytical approach to the industry balanced with a real passion to do the right thing for the customer is an ideal fit for Mfldirect. His experience in leading the Smart Fleet Solutions team and more recently at Cazoo gives him a great perspective to bring our ambitious plans for the Coalville site to life.