South Coast: Hendy makes key board appointments

Leading automotive retailer Hendy has made two key operational board appointments in a milestone year for the company.

Hendy, which is marking 160 years in business in 2019, became a £1 billion turnover company and has 2,000 colleagues running 26 franchises from 83 outlets in the south.

Chief operating officer Simon Bottomley said the appointments of Sarah Martyn and Pete Walker reinforce the operational board as the company continues to develop and expand.

“People are at the very heart of our operations and we are delighted to have Sarah and Pete as part of the operational board,” said Bottomley. “Their expertise complements the existing Hendy members and puts us on an extremely strong footing for the future.”

Sarah Martyn joins Hendy as people director after enjoying a career as a senior interim HR leader for almost 20 years. She says her experience in a wide range of different sectors gives her a good background for the future of Hendy.

“With more than 2,000 colleagues in the business it’s important to build people capability for the future of Hendy as the group continues to evolve,” she said. “There is a strong connection between colleagues and customer experience and building on this will be integral to my new role.”

Pete Walker joined Westover in 2004 and was its group operations director for service, parts and quality before this appointment as group service director for Hendy.

Walker began his motoring career as an apprentice motor technician in the Midlands before heading to the south coast to join Westover as service team leader in 2004.

He progressed through the company and his experience in both service and aftersales give him the ideal background for his new role.

“I’m really enjoying ensuring the whole company is integrated in its approach, processes and achievements,” he said. “Everyone takes tremendous pride in their work and we are all committed to being an industry leader.”

He said that being immersed in a larger company takes his career to a new level. “I’m really enjoying the cultural fit on all levels and the ethics and philosophy of the Hendy Group,” he said.

“I’m getting to know all the teams and am enjoying the leadership and team management opportunities.”