Bruce moves into the driving seat at Lookers

ANDY Bruce has taken the helm at Manchester car dealership Lookers following the retirement of Peter Jones.

The appointment of Mr Bruce, formerly the group’s chief operating officer, was first announced in August.

Chairman Phil White said: “Peter has been an outstanding chief executive of the group since his appointment in October 2009. He has led the company during a period where the profitability and market capitalisation of the company have increased significantly with consecutive record results from 2009 to the present day.

“Peter is a top class leader with exceptional management qualities and I have really enjoyed working with him. I, together with all my colleagues on the board, would like to thank Peter personally for his major contribution to the success of Lookers and we wish him well for the future.

“I am particularly pleased that he has been succeeded by Andy who is a key member of our board and the development of the motor division under Andy’s leadership has been tremendous. I have absolute and total confidence that the group’s continuing development could not be in better hands and we wish Andy continued success in his new role.”

Meanwhile, Dave Watson has joined Kendal paper manufacturer James Cropper as chief operating officer. Most recently he was the site manager for 3M’s Personal Safety Division at Aycliffe and 3M Security Printing & Systems in Chadderton, near Oldham. James Cropper’s chief executive Phil Wild was the managing director of 3M Security Printing & Systems until he joined the business in 2012.