Harris Maxus UK has strengthened its corporate sales strategy by appointing industry expert Graham Balsom as its new head of fleet.

Balsom joins the business with more than three decades of automotive experience spanning technical, retail and fleet operations.

Reporting to Harris Maxus UK sales director Gary Brown, Balsom will drive stronger support for dealers, leasing partners and fleet operators. He will also implement streamlined processes and agile systems to ensure consistently high-quality customer service.

Balsom began his career as a Land Rover technician before progressing into customer-facing and sales roles. He went on to establish and grow fleet businesses, including transforming a small fleet department into a 1,000-unit operation, before taking on senior fleet leadership roles within the Mercedes-Benz network.

During his time with Mercedes-Benz, Balsom helped grow annual van sales from just over 200 units to more than 4,500, earning a reputation for building strong customer relationships while establishing a practical, process-driven approach to fleet sales.

His appointment comes at an important stage in Harris Maxus UK’s development, as the company – the exclusive distributor of Maxus commercial vehicles in the UK and right-hand drive markets across Europe – continues to expand its product offering and dealer network while seeking to increase its presence across key fleet sectors.

Balsom said: “The opportunity for Maxus is clear. The product is competitive; the market is changing and there is genuine potential to grow. My job is straightforward. It’s about bringing consistency, clarity and accountability. We need to be easy to do business with, support our dealers properly and respond quickly to customers and partners. If people know they’ll get the right answer and the right support, trust follows.”

Sales director Gary Brown added: “Graham knows that fleet businesses are built on people and processes. Strong relationships matter, but so do standards, discipline and doing the basics exceptionally well. That’s what Graham will be focused on. He will face challenges, but I see a huge opportunity for him to build on the foundations already in place and help establish Maxus as a brand that fleet customers actively want to work with.”

Parent firm Harris Group also recently announced a major senior management restructuring ahead of its 60th anniversary. Owner Denise Harris has transitioned to executive chairperson, while former group managing director Brian Patterson has been appointed chief executive officer. Last week, the business revealed that it’s appointed Bill Laidlaw in the role of chief operating officer as Harris Maxus UK managing director Steve Hunt retires.