Ridgeway’s group managing director Daksh Gupta has joined Marshall Motor Group as chief executive.

He will stay on at Ridgeway Motor Group as non- executive director, spending a day a month at the company.

Ridgeway chief executive John O’Hanlon has resumed full operational control for the group following Gupta’s departure.

Robert Marshall, Marshall executive chairman told AM that he had chosen Gupta for his “ambition, not because he will do what I tell him to do”.

He said: “I don’t want a safe pair of hands, I want someone who will kick us into the next stage of motor history. 

“I expect the appointment will raise some eyebrows.”

Gupta (pictured) said: “This is one of the best jobs in the retail automotive industry and I look forward to helping Marshall achieve the substantial growth opportunities which exist for this company.”