CD Auctions has welcomed former Citroen UK managing director Karl Howkins as its new MD as part of a bid to accelerate its “plans and ambitions for the future”.  

Howkins, who left PSA Group's Citroen brand in January, has joined SMH Fleet Solutions to lead its auction services and will take the helm at CD Auctions as the business embarks on the next stage of its development.

Corby-based remarketing provider CD Auction Group Ltd was acquired by Arctos Holdings, the owners of SMH Fleet Solutions and CD Salvage Auction (Hudson Kapel), back in September 2017.

In his new role, Howkins will lead the company's expansion plans with further investment in digital platforms and physical infrastructure.

CD Auctions currently operates five sites across the UK, with on-site refurbishment and digital remarketing facilities.

"I'm delighted to be joining the SMH Group and leading the CD Auction business,” he said.

“It is uniquely placed in the industry with a digital-first offering that is a great fit for the future needs of fleets, dealers and OEMs.

“Our remote sales mean far fewer links in the chain between de-fleet and dealer forecourt, which provides a faster, leaner and more efficient process.

“It's a process that will continue to expand and evolve across the SMH Group."

Howkins has previously held leadership roles for Opel/Vauxhall and Fiat Chrysler, in the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Martin McAuley, director at SMH Fleet Solutions, said: "Karl brings a wealth of experience to the group and will lead the integration of CD Auctions into the wider business.

“It is the right time to expand our management team as we accelerate our plans and ambitions for the future.

“We will continue to grow our technology capabilities while building out our footprint across the UK to provide best in class services to meet all of our customers' vehicle management needs.

“would like to thank Andy Brown who retires in September, for all his efforts in growing CD Auctions.”

CD Auctions said that it had delivered a record volume of sales in June, with online sales attracting large numbers of first-time buyers.

Overall sales were up 18% on the same period last year with an average conversion rate of 85% for both cars and LCVs.