Chorley Group aftersales director and former managing director Pauline Turner was hailed as a “tenacious, energetic and supportive” leader as the car retail business announced her retirement today.

The AM100 business’ founder Andrew Turner OBE, her brother and the group’s chairman, paid tribute to her as staff were informed of her exit from the business in a letter circulated around the business.

Speaking exclusively to AM about her decision to retire at the age of 55, Pauline said: "I'm immensely proud of what the group has achieved. I've literally been part of it since before it was Chorley Group. It has grown from literally nothing into an extremely strong business that is growing an diversifying.

"For me, it's time to go an focus on other things, but I know it's in very safe hands. Not many family businesses have such a strong progression, but Chorley Group is still growing."

In his letter to Chorley Group employees, Andrew Turner said he had “mixed emotions, consisting of pride, sadness and excitement" when writing about his sister's retirement.

He added: “Pauline has been at my side for most of my career and has been by (current Chorley Group managing director Adam Turner’s) side for all of his.

“Throughout the last 30 years Pauline has been ever present in the Chorley Group journey, from the very early days of her valeting and selling cars at our Parbold used car site, to leading the business as managing director.

“She has always been the tenacious, energetic, supportive, creative and powerful leader we all know and love.”

Turner described his sister as his “a rock to me personally” and highlighted her as one of the key women in the industry to “spearhead the need for female leadership, constantly pushing boundaries on the journey to success”.

Pauline Turner spend five years as MD of Chorley Group, during which time the group was awarded with several of AM’s Best Dealerships to Work for awards.

Current Chorley Group managing director Adam Turner, who officially took over from Pauline as managing director in September 2020, outlined the role his auntie had played in his own career in a recent dealer profile feature with AM Magazine.

Chorley Group has revealed that David Giles, previously aftersales manager at Chorley Nissan, will now take on the role of group aftersales manager, with a handover process now underway.

Turner’s written address to staff said that Pauline would now be taking a step back from the group’s day-to-day running to focus on “some exciting activities she has planned”, adding that she would be “enjoying life to the fullest” but “never too far away to lend support when needed”.

Pauline told AM that she intends to devote her time to chairitable works, including volunterring with Chorley Youth Zone, and travelling.

She added: "I've had a fantastic career and I really want to thank all the people I've worked with and the mentors I've had during my career.

"When I started working in the sector 30 years ago there really weren't many women, but the support I received was fantastic. I've enjoyed a great career, but I'm also looking forward to what's to come."