Lookers has appointed Danny Bishop to the newly created role of head of learning and development.

The new senior role was created by the dealer group to support the professional development and careers of all its staff.

Reporting to chief people officer Chris Whitaker, Bishop’s role will assist in ensuring all Lookers employees have a clear development pathway to support personal and corporate growth.

He will lead the company’s focus on people development and learning and in the creation of a new professional development academy to further promote and nurture talent, skills and capability at all levels.

Bishop is an accomplished leader in learning and development practice, with more than two decades of experience in senior corporate roles, including at Bupa and Cooperative Banking Group in the UK.

Whitaker said: “As a future-focused, ambitious company, we know that our people are key to our success and ensuring that they can be their best in a supportive, friendly and team-oriented working environment is our top priority.

Danny joins Lookers with the experience, expertise and the know-how we need to help drive new growth and development in this important area and I’m delighted to welcome him to our team.”

Lookers operates more than 150 franchised dealers representing 32 manufacturers in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.