Jennings Motor Group has appointed Stephen Robson into the combined role of sales controller and compliance manager at its new Kia dealership in Sunderland.

Bringing more than 32 years’ experience in the motor industry, Robson will assist general sales manager, James Chorlton, with the day-to-day running of the dealership while managing the facility’s delivery of motor finance to meet its customers’ needs.

After successfully achieving his GCE qualifications at Whitley Bay High School, Robson’s initial dream job was to become a chef, but after qualifying at a catering college in North Tyneside, he decided to steer towards a career in motors instead.

He said: “I’ve always messed about with cars and been interested in motorsport, and one day I decided that cooking just wasn’t for me.

“I often wonder where a career in catering would’ve taken me, but then I think about the fantastic opportunities I’ve been given over the years in the motor trade, and I just know it was the right decision for me.”

Robson’s automotive retail experience now spans a variety of roles for a number of motor dealers across the North East region, in addition to running his own automotive business for 10 years.

Welcoming him on board at Jennings Kia Sunderland, general sales manager, James Chorlton, said: “Stephen has more than three decades of experience and knowledge that he can bring to the role and already he is proving to be an asset to the sales team at Sunderland.”