(Pic: James Robinson)
Former Volvo UK commercial director Robert Deane has joined Activate Group as managing director of Activate Accident Repair and Activate Parts.
At Volvo Deane oversaw a network of 93 retail sites, leading aftersales, operations, parts supply and the repair network.
In his new role, he will join the Activate Group board and executive team, taking responsibility for the strategic direction and performance of the Group’s repair and parts operations.
Activate Group operates across the full collision management sector. Its repair division, Activate Accident Repair, runs thirteen centres in high demand areas across the UK.
These sites work alongside a partner network of more than 650 repairers to deliver tens of thousands of repairs each year.
Activate Parts, the Group’s in-house parts provider, partners with a UK wide supplier network to offer a one-stop parts solution for repairers, and support fleet customers to maximise parts efficiency and reduce downtime.
Deane has held senior leadership roles at Harley Davidson and JATO Dynamics.
He also boasts excellent knowledge of the Chinese automotive market, having spent four years in China with Jaguar Land Rover, where he developed the brand’s product strategy for the Chinese market.
Deane said: “I’m delighted to be joining Activate Group at a time when the industry is evolving so quickly – there’s a real buzz around the business.”
Hannah Wilcox, CEO, Activate Group, added: “I’d like to wish a very warm welcome to Robert. I know his proven leadership across complex operations will be a fantastic asset in achieving our vision to be a transformational leader in collision management.
