Automotive sector logistics specialist Engineius has appointed Ian Smith as its new operations director.

The role will involve overall responsibility for service delivery, supplier engagement and strategic objectives.

Smith joins the business directly from motor finance company Oodle, where he worked for more than two years as commercial director.

Calum Slowther, Engineius managing director, said: “Ian has vast experience in the automotive industry and a great track record, and he will be an asset to Engineius as we enter our growth phase.

“Ian brings great experience in the vehicle movement sector after setting up his own movement business in Motor Delivery, gaining contracts with the likes of Pendragon and GEFCO.

“He was a key figure in Oodle’s growth over the last two years, making him the perfect person to lead Engineius’ operational procedures, going forward.”

A new voluntary industry standard covering dealer deliveries of cars and vans to fleet customers has been launched by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).

Smith’s appointment follows less than a month after that of Andrew Wyatt as its finance director, the first of several senior arrivals.

Commenting on his new appointment, Smith said: “I’m delighted to be joining the young and ambitious team at Engineius and being part of an organisation that’s truly focused on making vehicle movement easy for customers.

“The recent work that everyone at the company has delivered puts us in a great position as we scale up.

“There are exciting times ahead, and I look forward to getting to know the team and working with them to deliver the company’s ambitious goals.”

Last year, the vehicle movement service urged retailers to think differently about logistics to reduce their CO2 emissions amid a boom in home delivery brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising online car sales.