CarKeys has announced the expansion of its senior team, with Chris Smith becoming head of Carkeys.co.uk and Sean Harris joining the team as commercial operations manager.

The content driven website, which delivers customer insight to hundreds of dealerships, has made the appointments as it reported a 166% increase in the number of dealerships and dealer networks taking advantage of the customer insight and data it delivers in a bid to help convert leads in the new car market.

Smith has been tasked with developing CarKeys.co.uk’s CRM portal, to help dealers and manufacturers seamlessly respond to locally relevant leads from car buyers that have made their purchase preferences known via the website. 

The former Lease Plan general manager will also take charge of developing front-end capabilities to ensure consumers continue to enjoy the web-site’s vehicle reviews.

Harris, meanwhile, will be working closely with the business development team to continue expanding CarKeys.co.uk’s existing dealer network, as well as strengthen relationships with those partners already signed.

Anton Hanley, chief executive at CarKeys.co.uk parent company The Lead Agency, said: “With Chris and Sean driving our product, content and website capabilities, we can help dealers and manufactures obtain first-mover advantage with those online consumers in the market for a new car.

“From our own recent study, 97% of new car buyers in the market will, at some point, use the internet to help inform their purchase preference and this is where our growing service will help brands gain an advantage.”

Smith added: “I am looking forward to working alongside our partners and listening to their current sales and marketing challenges, to develop a process and product that stays relevant for dealers and manufacturers alike.”