Simon Bailes Peugeot has appointed experienced motor retail professional John Sedgwick as its managing director as the business eyes strategic growth.

Segdwick has more than 23 years’ experience in the motor trade where he began his career as a sales executive and has spent time as a general manager with Reg Vardy and a regional director at Evans Halshaw.

Before joining Simon Bailes Peugeot, which has dealerships in Northallerton, Stockton and Guisborough, Sedgwick was general manager at S G Petch before being promoted to group sales director.

He also has been a member of the Fiat dealer council, where he shared best practice with major players in the industry.

Simon Bailes group owner, Simon Bailes, said: “I am delighted with this appointment which will sustain the growth and development of the business.

“I look forward to working alongside John whilst I develop further project work around our fleet operation and community support commitments. It’s a very exciting time for the business.”

Sedgwick said: “Simon Bailes has built a very successful commercial venture that has forged a formidable reputation across the region, which is why I was attracted to the company.

“Its business values are synonymous with my own with its commitment to delivering a top-class service and customer experience to as wide an audience as possible.”