Commercial vehicle distributor Harris Group has embarked on a strategic restructuring for accelerated growth.
The group, which distributes brands such as Isuzu and Maxus, has announced a comprehensive restructuring programme and the appointment of a new senior leadership team.
Harris Group was founded by the late Pino Harris in 1961 and is now under the leadership of his wife, Denise Harris, as chairperson and CEO. The changes position the business for a new era of growth.
New appointments include Brian Patterson as group managing director. He brings two decades of motor industry experience and will advise on strategic direction and implementation, motivating the business to meet ambitious growth targets, with the core objective of delivering exceptional customer service in the areas of sales and aftersales.
Mark Barrett moves to the new role of managing director of group franchises. Barrett will now lead teams in both Ireland and the UK for Harris Group-distributed brands. His new role includes growing Maxus across right-hand drive Europe, expanding Isuzu in Ireland, and bringing the Higer brand (bus & coach) to the UK market. He will also be responsible for sales and marketing functions for all brands and the development of franchise dealership networks for the company.
John Keogh has been appointed as managing director of retail operations. Keogh will be responsible for the ongoing digital transformation of the business positioning it as a best-in-class digitally-lead automotive retailer. He will lead the retail sales and fulfilment teams across vans, bus and coach, parts OEM and aftermarket (CAS division).
Barry McGrane moves to become chief financial officer. He has more than 30 years’ experience working with both Irish and international businesses across multiple sectors, including motor trade, and will be responsible for Harris Group’s finance and IT functions.
The new appointments, together with the restructuring of the business across every division, have been designed to grow and futureproof the business and strengthen the company’s reputation as a leader in the automotive industry across the UK and Ireland.
Looking ahead, the group is poised for significant expansion, with double-digit growth forecast for 2024. Plans are already underway to open new customer showrooms at the company’s headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.
Denise Harris commented: “There is a new energy that is being felt right across our business as a result of the significant changes we are making. Underpinning all of this change is a consistent commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service – founding values that were instilled in the company by my late husband, Pino Harris.
“Today, backed by an incredible team of visionaries, I am confident that the Harris Group will continue to grow at pace, while being recognised as both an industry leader and a pioneer in new and alternative energy vehicles for many years to come.”
