Keyloop has made a series of senior appointments to drive the success of a new Alliances division aiming to help accelerate digital transformation within large retail groups and car manufacturers.

The Alliances division will bring together technology partners, app developers and consultants to address the challenges the industry faces in delivering digital transformation and is already working with a number of OEMs to address the data requirements of the agency model, Keyloop said.

Creating a real-time single view of the customer from initial online contact to vehicle handover and beyond, is among its main priorities.

The Alliance team will also help customers use technology to tackle issues ranging from aftersales efficiencies and the agency model to omnichannel retail, the transition to EVs, mobility and changing finance models.

Megan Harvey heads the Alliances division as EVP of Alliances and OEMs. Her previous role was Head of EMEA Alliances at Google’s Looker business intelligence platform.

Harvey said: “We see the shift to agency models and mobility-as-a-service, and it’s clear that a richer view of the customer will be required to deliver a seamless experience. We are moving quickly to ensure that Keyloop supports and leads the industry in this area.”

Former drivvn head of commercial Jacqui Barker is director for the division’s OEM team while Sebastien Fabri has been charged with accelerating the consulting and technology partner ecosystem having previously developed these channels at Google. 

Additionally, Barny Francis and Leah Osborne have been appointed as global brand directors, joining from Carwow and GardX.

Outlining the priorities of Keyloop’s Alliance digital transformation division, Harvey said: “We are changing the way the automotive industry can use digital technology to connect OEMs, partners and customers to deliver more efficient systems that provide a better experience for everyone.

“By leveraging our partner ecosystem in delivering projects, we can accelerate digital transformation and provide true benefits in much shorter timeframes. The industry is seeing much greater pressure to deliver new technologies faster to support the seismic shifts the industry is seeing.”

Keyloop chief executive Tom Kilroy outlined the business's wider strategy when he featured in AM's '5 Minutes With...' feature series last year.

Earlier this year, meanwhile, Charlotte Morgan, senior product marketing manager at Keyloop's Silver Bullet online car retail platform, appeared on the AM News Show podcast for an interview which addressed many of the customer journey insights the new Alliances division will focus on.

“It’s about knowing those consumers well enough to be able to make the right offer at the right time for them”, Morgan told AM.