Vertu Motors has asked David Crane, the group’s chief operations director, to join as a new board member in an additional role as executive director.

Crane joined Vertu at its inception in 2007 and has 25 years of experience in the automotive sector, both with manufacturers and retailers.

He is currently the group’s chief operations officer, having been appointed to this role in 2017.

Prior to joining Vertu, Crane was commercial director of Reg Vardy.

In his position at Vertu, Crane is responsible for the management and running of the group’s operations infrastructure, including all of the central aftersales support, IT, purchasing, fleet sales and ancillary business activities as well as two operational franchised dealership divisions.

Robert Forrester, Vertu chief executive, said: “David is a key member of the team which has built Vertu Motors from an idea 12 years ago to the reality of being the UK’s sixth largest automotive retailer.

“David has been instrumental in the operational and strategic development of the group and the board will be strengthened by his appointment.”