New Chief Executive for National Tyres and Autocare

Tony Neill, formerly Managing Director of National Tyres and Autocare, has been promoted to the post of Chief Executive Officer. Neil has worked with National for the past 24 years in a variety of operational and senior management positions including, Operations Director, Purchasing Director and most recently as Managing Director for National’s 200+ retail operation.

Neil’s appointment follows the recent strategic business review headed by Price Waterhouse Coopers, which led to speculation of a takeover. Big names such as Kwik-Fit and Bridgestone had been linked to a possible deal. However, talk of this subject has now gone quiet and officially the company is now saying the review and the appointment “signals the start of a new strategic plan for the business going forward.”

Tony Neil commented: “I am delighted to have been asked by the Partners to take on the position of Chief Executive Officer. Since the management buyout six years ago, National has been transformed into a profitable and debt-free company. Turnover has more than doubled, as we have substantially grown our market share and I plan to continue that agenda ensuring that National and crucially its people, are well equipped to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.’

“Following several years of substantial investment in the business at all levels and with a highly scalable infrastructure, I am delighted to announce that we have already started to implement an aggressive expansion programme to capitalise on these inherent economies of scale.”

Alan Revie, Chairman of parent company, Axle Group Holdings, stated: “With his industry experience, intellectual engagement and leadership skills, Tony has been invaluable to the development of National Tyres and Autocare and with an exciting new strategy ahead of us, he was the obvious choice to lead the company through the next stage of its development. I look forward to the insight and expertise that he will bring to this role.”