Houlihan joins Carcraft as CEO
COLIN Houlihan, an experienced executive whose CV includes running self tanning business St Tropez and in this region Roland Barsley Construction, has stepped into the driving seat at Carcraft Group.
Mr Houlihan joins the Rochdale company from Cool Milk Europe, where he as spent the last four years and worked in Ireland and Hungary.
Alan Greenough, non-executive director of the private equity-backed company, said: “Having transitioned from a family run business, through a management buy-out the board believes it is the appropriate time for a proven corporate leader with fresh perspectives, a new profile and the hunger to lead the business to the next level.
“Colin Houlihan brings a wealth of consumer experience and expertise in business strategy, change management, brand development and customer value. He has held board level positions in private and public companies, and brings with him over 20 years experience as chief executive.
“He has achieved several successful corporate exits and the board believes that with Colin’s leadership Carcraft will consolidate and improve its leading position in the retail of used cars to the general public.”
One of his successful exits was the sale of St Tropez for private equity firm LDC.
Carcraft Group comprises 11 used car supermarkets based nationwide including Rochdale, Liverpool and by the Trafford Centre. In April 2014 it was sold by brothers Noel and Darren McKee to a management team led by former CEO Robin Bridge, backed by equity investor Apollo Ventures.
