John Kemp Passes Away

Axle Group Holdings Ltd has announced the death of John Kemp, Partner, at the age of 53, following a year long battle against illness. John Kemp was a popular and well respected figure, having worked in the tyre industry for 30 years. He began his career with Birkenshaw International as Finance Manager, based in Glasgow and during this time helped oversee the merger of the southern based wholesaler, Viking Express to form one of the country’s largest tyre wholesalers, Viking International.

In December 2001, Mr Kemp joined Alan Revie, John Taylor and John Caldwell in the highly publicised management buy-out of National Tyres and Autocare and Viking International, from Continental AG. In his capacity as Group Financial Director, John Kemp played a pivotal role in the dramatic turnaround of the company’s finances.

Alan Revie, Chairman of Axle Group Holdings said: “John was a colleague, confidant and a close personal friend, both to me, my family and many people within our company. He loved this industry and worked tirelessly throughout his career to create a company he could be proud of. He was one of life’s true gentlemen and he will be sadly missed.”