Jacqui Barker, former Auto Trader client development manager, has been appointed online finance specialist iVendi's first head of OEM relations.

Barker spent four years in the post at Auto Trader and four years as account director at Sewells during more than 15 years on automotive titles at Bauer and EMAP but will now work closely with manufacturers in the run up to the launch of the new release of iVendi’s core platform in Q1 of 2018.

A statement issued by iVendi stated that the new platform was expected to form an innovative, end-to-end online motor retailing solution thought to be “a world first”.

Barker (pictured) will support manufacturers through their own implementations of the platform as well as co-ordinating its independent use by individual franchise dealers.

She said: “I’ve been working closely with manufacturers to understand what drives satisfaction with consumers but also how the online experience has transformed the car buying journey.

“The biggest challenge for manufacturers and retailers is to continually meet and exceed the expectations of their customers.

“The new version of the iVendi platform has the potential to be a genuinely positive disruptive technology, building new routes to market for manufacturers and dealers, and a key part of my role will be showing them how utilise its capabilities.”

iVendi chief operating officer, Richard Tavernor, added: “We are now at the stage where we can incorporate a simple but important feature into the platform – a ‘buy’ button.

“Getting to this point has been a long journey but we are confident that this product is absolutely right for this moment.

“Now, we now need the very best people to take this highly innovative product to market. Jacqui is the latest in a series of these appointments and we are delighted to welcome her to the iVendi team.”