Former Mazepoint and ASE director Tracey Ellam is looking forward to putting her “experience in business intelligence” to good use at LSH Auto UK after joining the car retail group as operations director.

Ellam joins the Hong Kong-owned AM100 Mercedes-Benz franchised car retail business with more than 25 years’ experience in the UK retail motor industry, many spent working with the German premium car brand.

Most recently she was commercial director of business intelligence and technology specialist Mazepoint.

Before this, she was regional director UKI and Southern Europe of ASE, managing 24 automotive brands and the market offices in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy.

Her previous positions include regional financial controller roles with Mercedes-Benz Retail Group and the Mercedes-Benz divisions of Pendragon and Jardine Motors.

Ellam said: “I’m looking forward to returning to automotive retail and putting my experience in business intelligence to good use, especially at such an exciting time of change in the industry.

“My career path has given me a unique skillset and I’m excited to use data from within the business to benchmark performance and drive profitability.

“I’m also thrilled to be working with the Mercedes-Benz brand again and joining one of the largest dealer groups for Mercedes-Benz cars worldwide.”

In her new role Ellam will be responsible for finance, sales administration, CXC and group marketing at LSH Auto.

In 2019, the group, which has dealerships across the Midlands and North West, launched a full digital platform to enable customers to browse online, book a test drive from their home, buy online and choose either click and collect or home delivery.

Ellam said: “The values of the business are very much aligned with my own. I’m passionate about championing diversity and am encouraged to see this already being embraced by board members and colleagues at LSH Auto.

“I’ve also been impressed by the forward-thinking approach to technology within the business and the team’s focus on delivering excellent customer service.”

Ellam will report directly to Martyn Webb, the managing director LSH Auto, who was previously the subject of an in-depth profile feature in AM Magazine.

Commenting on Ellam’s appointment, Webb said: “Tracy will be a key member of the board of directors, working with myself and the wider business to strengthen and grow our performance.

“Her knowledge and experience will be a huge asset for our team and our mission to deliver continuous improvement.

“I am delighted to welcome Tracy to the LSH Auto team as we prepare for future retailing in 2022 and beyond.”