Former Microsoft and Travis Perkins executives are due to join Pendragon's board of directors later this month.

Pendragon has completed its external search for additional independent non-executive directors and for the successor to Mel Egglenton as chairman of the company's audit committee.

Paul Hampden Smith and Gillian Kent have been appointed, each to take office on 23rd May 2013, the day after the company's AGM when Eggleton will be appointed non-executive chairman of Pendragon in the place of Mike Davies, who is retiring.

Kent joins following an executive career in the digital and online sectors, ranging from new product development to consumer brand development and marketing, and culminating in senior roles at Microsoft, where she headed their largest online business in the UK as managing dDirector of MSN, UK.

Pendragon said she has established expertise in building markets and brands for online consumer products and web-based applications. She is currently a director of private company Skadoosh Limited.

Hampden Smith joins following an executive career comprising senior posts in finance and accounting, culminating with his group finance director role at FTSE 250 company Travis Perkins Plc, where he led the finance function for over 16 years, during which period it grew from a family business to a nationally recognised name with a £5 billion annual turnover.

Hampden Smith and Kent will serve on the Pendragon's nomination committee and remuneration committee and each will also join the audit committee, Paul Hampden Smith as its chairman.

Pendragon's retiring Chairman, Mike Davies said: "I am delighted that Gillian and Paul have agreed to join our board.  Each of them has a track record of considerable achievements in their professional and business life and brings to the board valuable experience, Gillian from the digital sector and Paul from his strong financial and corporate background."

Mel Egglenton, chairman-designate of Pendragon, added: "Gillian's in-depth knowledge of online and digital markets and her understanding of consumer behaviours strengthen our bBoard in what is a key strategic area for our business.

"Paul is also a welcome addition to the board. His established credentials as a chairman of audit committees make him a fitting successor in that role for Pendragon and his finance and multi-site distribution experience will bring further breadth and depth to our board."