Zenith has appointed Ian Waspe as its first-ever head of manufacturer and dealer relationships.

Ian Waspe, head of manufacturer and dealer relationships at Zenith

The role will see Waspe build on Zenith’s existing OEM and retailer relationships, both from a strategic and tactical perspective, with specific importance to Zenith’s multiple channel strategy across its Corporate and Consumer divisions.

He joins Zenith from the BMW Group, where he spent 15 years in a number of roles, including area manager and, more recently, national leasing manager.

Waspe commented: “It’s a huge move for me personally – especially after spending a significant time at BMW – but I’m excited to join Zenith as it continues through its high-performing, natural growth period.

“I’m blown away by the company’s ambitions and the emphasis it places on ideas and creativity, and it gives me a real opportunity to shape this new role. I look forward to being the first port of call to key stakeholders and help make a difference to Zenith, vehicle manufacturers and dealer group partners alike.”

Tim Buchan, CEO at Zenith, said: “As a business, we’re aware of how critical manufacturer and dealer partnerships are, and while we’re fortunate to have great relationships today, we’re always trying to do more. Ian’s appointment does just that and allows us to make the next natural step, given the reach of Zenith across multiple car and LCV channels, corporate to consumer. I wish Ian every success in his new role at Zenith.”