Peter Vardy has appointed former Inchcape chief executive James Brearly as its new chief operating officer.

Group founder Peter Vardy said Brearly’s appointment will help with the company’s aim to “significantly expand by 2030”.

He said: “Despite the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we are on track to achieve our goals.

“To enable this growth, it was vital we added capacity to our strong leadership team, and I am therefore thrilled that James Brearley has joined us.

“James’s extensive experience in both automotive retail and distribution, make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team as we continue our growth plans globally”.

Brearley hinted at a potential acquisition trail to help fuel Peter Vardy’s future expansion.

Brearley: “I have tremendous respect for what Peter and his team have accomplished thus far and for the energy, ambition, values, and passion that permeate the business.

“Our industry is undergoing significant changes, which will undoubtedly present opportunities as smaller operators seek to exit and only the most capable large operators thrive.”

Peter Vardy Global recently flexed its international ambitions with the successful expansion of its CarMoney business into the Asia-Pacific region, with two further locations currently being considered.

Brearley left Inchcape at the end of 2021 after almost five years as CEO. He joined Inchcape following a period working as a consultant after his departure from Pendragon, where he had been managing director of its Stratstone premium division and Chatfield’s Trucks.