Goodyear Dunlop Announces New Truck and Bus Unit Appointments

Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK has appointed Robin Sharpe as director, Truck Tyres UK and Nigel Sowerby as manager, TruckForce, UK. Sharpe joins the company on 1 August, and will lead the continued expansion of the UK Goodyear Dunlop truck and bus tyre business, including the rollout of the recently launched TruckForce service network across the country.

Announcing the appointment, UK general manager, Mark Brickhill said: “Robin has a proven record of delivering successful results in varied markets. He has particular skills in managing organisational change and building people management capabilities. His background in managing key accounts and building long term business to business relationships will enhance our truck business unit.”

Sharpe joins the company from Procter & Gamble where he has a track record of developing key customer relationships with major organisations such as Sainsbury’s, Safeway and Boots, before being appointed to his most recent role of sales associate director, working on the integration of the P+G and Gillette sales teams across Western Europe.

Sharpe replaces Clive Powell, who recently announced his decision to leave the company to develop his own business interests. Brickhill added: “Clive Powell has played a key role in turning around the truck business and successfully launching the TruckForce network in the UK. Robin’s experience in leading changing organisations will help continue this successful business turnaround. I thank Clive for his significant contribution in launching TruckForce UK and wish him success with his future business plans.”

Nigel Sowerby is appointed to the position of manager, TruckForce, UK, on 1 July. This role will lead the TruckForce team in building the new, dedicated commercial vehicle service network in the UK. Sowerby, who is currently TruckForce regional manager, South, will be responsible for the operational management of the new national network.

“Nigel has driven a successful programme in launching TruckForce in the south this year. His new role will ensure that the company can operate consistent quality standards and customer-focused service across the new nationwide TruckForce network,” stated Brickhill.

In the UK, Goodyear Dunlop recently separated its Hi-Q tyre retailing business from TruckForce to provide two distinct networks, with Hi-Q focused on the car tyre market and TruckForce becoming a 100 per cent commercial and PSV orientated business.

“In building two dedicated networks we can focus on the very different needs of each business, Goodyear Dunlop are making a major investment in the commercial vehicle tyre business. The service element, TruckForce, is vitally important in building relationships with fleets, keeping their vehicles moving, and playing an integral part in our customer’s logistics operations. Robin’s appointment and Nigel’s promotion will enhance the depth of talent and experience that we already have in our commercial tyre business and help us drive this important business unit to further success,” added Brickhill.