Few people, in recent years, have used their business leader profile and their boundless energy to enhance the image of the UK’s franchised dealers like our inductee has.

Through numerous media interviews and public presentations Daksh Gupta, a vice president of industry charity Ben and the former chief executive of Marshall, has demonstrated that franchised dealer groups can be great workplaces for everyone, no matter what their gender, race, religion and background.

And he has illustrated that individual ambition can be unconstrained. Hard work, a continual desire for improvement, great people skills, strong relationships and clear vision for the right opportunities can ensure that an individual can climb high in the motor retail industry.

He has also shown that the right leadership team and the right corporate culture can attract the levels of investment that transformed Marshall Motor Group for its staff and its stakeholders.

Meanwhile, at industry charity Ben, where he is a member of the board of trustees, he led its fundraising by example by parachuting out of an aircraft in 2016 to raise £142,000 for use in helping current and past automotive workers in need.

And he has shown on his social media channels that even people who rise up the ranks to lead thousands of employees can still, crucially, find some time for both their family and their favourite football team.

One must wonder when he ever sleeps!

Many people now ponder what the next chapter will be in Daksh Gupta’s career since leaving Marshall after its acquisition by Constellation Automotive Group. We’ll hear soon, we’re sure.

Previous inductees: 2022 Stuart Foulds, TrustFord; 2021 Professor Richard Parry-Jones CBE (posthumous); 2020 Graham Day, CEM Day; 2019 Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai; 2018 Jack Tordoff MBE, JCT600; 2017 Michael Smyth, Swansway Group; 2016 Mark Squires, Benfield Motor Group/NFDA; 2015 Gerard Nieuwenhuys, Sytner.

Sponsor's comment 

"GardX Group are proud to have sponsored the 2023 Hall of Fame Award at the AM Awards. We chose this award as we wanted to celebrate those whose contributions and service to the Motor industry have been significant, substantial, and long-standing.

"As the proud sponsor of this prestigious award, it was my honour to present this to Daksh Gupta.

"Having known Daksh for many years, I’m sure everyone would agree there is no one more deserving to receive this award.

On behalf of everyone at GardX Group we would like to congratulate all the award nominees and the winners, but a special mention to Daksh on what has been and still is a fantastic career," said Gardx Group chairman Victor Coutin.

Our AM Awards 2023 sponsors