The MFG Group continues its senior executive recruitment programme with the announcement that Tony Jones has joined the business as National Sales Manager – UK.
Tony replaces Rob Draper (Acting NSM–UK) from September 1st in a move which sees Draper take on the role for expanding the company’s ever-growing presence in Asia Pacific. Jones is the latest of several senior key appointments in 2018 as the UK-based automotive training and consultancy business rapidly grows its team of industry experts.
Reporting directly to Head of Sales & Performance Pita Marroni, Tony will be directly responsible for expanding and growing The MFG Group’s presence in its highly important home market.
Tony began his career with 10 years in the finance industry, before securing his first motor trade roles with Autolease then Cowies. At Cowies, Tony was responsible for setting up one of the first used car supermarkets in Birmingham. His earliest venture into new car franchises was with Honda, followed by combined Honda and Renault operations, before joining BMW Group in South East London. Initially Dealer Principal, Tony became New Car and Corporate Sales Director.
In 2007, he joined Porsche Retail Group as Centre Principal for the prestigious West London dealership. Under his stewardship, it won the After Sales Dealership of the year for the Porsche UK Network. During his time at Porsche, Tony developed his passion for people development and led the organisation’s sales process working party.
In 2011, Tony joined the Nissan network with Motorline as General Manager of the new Crawley Dealership. In 2013 he was appointed as Operations Director for three dealerships, which he increased to nine over a five-year period - through new site launches and acquisitions.
The MFG Group CEO, Declan Gaule said: “Tony brings a wealth of diverse and ‘hands on’ motor industry experience to MFG and our clients. With a proven pedigree including significant tenures with BMW, Honda, Nissan, Porsche and Renault, his industry knowledge and passion for the UK automotive sector is second to none. His appointment will ensure that MFG’s proven automotive solutions continue to add value and profitable unit sales to our existing and ever-expanding customer base.
“There is very little in the industry that Tony has not applied himself to successfully, not least winning the prestigious Worldwide CEO award from Nissan for outstanding performance and exceeding EV sales. It’s this desire for success and extensive industry pedigree that will ensure MFG’s continued UK growth under Tony’s leadership. We are greatly looking forward to working with Tony and implementing his ideas and approaches”.
Tony Jones added: “I am delighted to join The MFG Group at such an exciting stage of its development. I’m excited to apply my extensive sector experience and learning to help enhance our presence in the UK market and looking forward to re-engaging with many of my associates from across the UK dealer network to help them drive tangible sales increases.”