Lookers PLC’s Northern Ireland car retail division, Charles Hurst Group, has appointed Jeff McCartney as its new group operations director.

McCartney joined the PLC-owned operation’s tyre division 33 years ago and will assume his new posting with immediate effect having worked his way through a variety of roles, making the move from a position as sales operations director.

One of Northern Ireland’s largest employers and investors, the Charles Hurst Group has 900 employees across eight sites.

McCartney, who has already held the role of group operations director on an interim basis for a year, said: “It is a huge privilege to be afforded the opportunity to lead the company of which I have been an integral part for over thirty years.

“I am looking forward to both the challenges and opportunities we will inevitably face and the achievements that will undoubtedly follow what will be the culmination of a lifetime’s endeavour.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our incredible colleagues and partners for always going above and beyond in continuing to deliver an exceptional service at all times, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Lookers chief operating officer, Duncan McPhee, said: “As someone who lives and breathes the Charles Hurst vision and values, with more than three decades embedded in every aspect of the business, Jeff is the perfect leader for the next phase of our journey.

“We’re delighted to announce his appointment today as a further sign of our ambition to continue to deliver an exceptional product and service to our customers.”

Founded in 1911, Charles Hurst’s headquarters are located on a 30-acre site in Belfast, making it the largest automotive retail park in Europe.

The group now represents 22 automotive brands across eight sites.