BMW Group Financial Services general manager for digital, sales channels and insurance, Preston Rogers, has been appointed as the new head of Alphera Financial Services.

Rogers, a graduate of the University of Johannesburg, has been employed by the German premium carmakers finance division since 2006 and takes up his new post from current incumbent Spencer Halil as he moves into the role of chief commercial officer at Alphabet (GB) Limited in February.

A statement issued by Alphera today (December 3) said that both Halil and Rogers had played instrumental roles in developing the business which will celebrate 15 years in the UK in 2021.

Rogers said: “I’m very pleased to be returning to the Alphera fold, especially at a time when we will be celebrating 15 years of the brand in the UK market.

“In that time the business has made incredible strides in establishing best practices within the industry, being recognised as a progressive market player and developing a select network of Partners that is truly industry-leading in terms of business quality, performance and customer orientation.

“Over the coming months Spencer and I will work closely to ensure that the business’ growth trajectory continues as we start a new chapter of the Alphera success story in the UK.”

Halil, who remains within the BMW Group to take over from Simon Carr as at Alphabet  has headed up Alphera’s UK business for the past five years, a period which brought about the introduction of an accreditation partnership to improve industry standards with the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) and the recent Alphera Zero carbon-offset finance product.

Halil said: “Having worked in the motor finance industry for more than 24 years, I am a firm believer in the power of people and relationships, so I know that the best results are always achieved through strong teamwork.

“With any new opportunity, the most difficult part is always to move on from a successful, award-winning team, such as we’ve built at Alphera, as well as the first class Partner network that I’ve been closely involved with during my two spells leading the business.

“But in life it’s important to seize an opportunity when it presents itself and I’ll depart in the new year with incredible pride in what we’ve delivered as a business, as a team and as a network of Alphera Partners around the UK.

“I know Alphera will be in extremely good hands as Preston and I worked closely together on developing the business nearly a decade ago.

“I’m sure he will bring fresh perspectives and his own personality to the role, so we’ll work over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition that sets the foundations for even greater successes for Alphera in the future.”