Glyn Hopkin makes strategic leadership appointments

Glyn Hopkin Group has announced three senior leadership appointments as part of a strategic restructure designed to support growth following its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2024.

Long-standing team member Shab Chowdhury has been promoted to franchise director for Kia and Suzuki, overseeing six locations across the group’s portfolio after joining the business 23 years ago as sales executive.

Joining from Group 1 Automotive, Emily Robinson (pictured) steps into the role of franchise director for MG, managing 10 locations.

Robinson has been head of aftersales for BMW/Mini at Group 1 Automotive, alongside senior roles as brand manager at Caffyns Volkswagen and head of business at Marshall Motor Group’s Beckenham and Bromley Audi operations.

Dave Seaton has been appointed franchise director for Nissan, leading one of the UK’s largest Nissan networks with 13 sites.

Seaton’s background includes senior operational roles at Marshall Motor Group and over two decades at Pendragon, where he held regional leadership posts spanning both sales and aftersales.

The new franchise appointments align with a wider leadership restructure led by chief operating officer Paul Stapylton, who was promoted from group operations director earlier this year.

Working alongside chief executive Fraser Cohen, Stapylton has driven a comprehensive review of the senior management structure to enhance performance, accountability, and responsiveness across the group.

“The addition of Dave and Emily to our senior leadership team, alongside Shab’s new role and Paul’s promotion, marks a critical step in our strategy to support the next chapter of Glyn Hopkin's evolution,” said Cohen.

“Becoming an EOT has given us the platform to reinvest in our people and our processes. These moves are part of a clear and defined strategy to future-proof the leadership at Glyn Hopkin Group for many years ahead.”

Since becoming an Employee Ownership Trust, Glyn Hopkin has focused on modernising its operations, deepening employee engagement, and building a more progressive and purpose-driven business.

To support its expansion plans, the group is also actively recruiting across its sales, aftersales, and finance functions. Roles include sales managers, service advisors, technicians at all levels, parts advisors, and franchise finance controllers.