Athenea Automotive Group has appointed Richard Lodge, a senior figure whose career already spans both Brayleys Cars and Johnsons Cars, as group aftersales director.
Lodge will lead aftersales operations across Athenea’s 79 sales points and 21 franchise brands. His remit covers service, parts, warranty and customer retention.
He said: “If there is one priority that will define our success, it is customer retention. Our industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with rapid technological change, rising customer expectations and increasing competition.
“While attracting new customers remains important, sustainable growth comes from building lasting relationships with the customers who already place their trust in us.
“My focus is on ensuring we deliver an aftersales experience that gives customers every reason to return. That means combining outstanding service, expert advice, and genuine value at every touchpoint.
“By consistently exceeding expectations and putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, we can strengthen loyalty, grow our business, and create long-term success for both our customers and our teams.”
Lodge initially began in the service department of Rover & Land Rover Oxford before making the move to sales.
He spent the last nine years with Brayleys where he recently held the role of franchise director while earlier in his career he spent time in Johnsons Honda Oxford as a general manager.
Sara Harris, chief customer officer at Athenea Automotive Group, said: “Aftersales is a central part of what we do for our customers, and it deserves dedicated senior focus as we bring Brayleys and Johnsons together.
“Richard understands the opportunities that come with bringing these two successful organisations together, and he has the experience and credibility to lead the next phase of our aftersales development.”
