Rob Wood

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ROB WOOD

I am a Managing Director and Dealer Principal with a 37-year career in automotive retail, recognised for long-term value creation, business transformation and award-winning performance across multi-franchise operations.I joined Beechwood Motor Group in 1989 after completing a Business Management degree and was appointed Dealer Principal at the age of 23, becoming the youngest Dealer Principal in Saab’s history. In 2005, I was promoted to Managing Director, holding full group P&L responsibility and board-level accountability.Over nearly four decades, I have led automotive businesses through multiple economic cycles, OEM exits, regulatory change, the transition to EV, and post-COVID recovery — while maintaining strong governance, OEM trust and consistent profitability.A defining feature of my leadership is the willingness to make difficult decisions when required. In 2021, I led a full strategic and cultural transformation of the business, including restructuring senior leadership and replacing long-tenured managers whose roles had begun to stagnate performance. This reset delivered materially improved results and was recognised nationally with the Motor Trader Magazine Award for Most Improved Dealership (UK).I have worked extensively across American, European, Japanese and Chinese OEMs, including:Saab, Chrysler, Jeep, Isuzu, Subaru, Fiat, Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai, Alfa Romeo, GWM (Great Wall Motor) and Changan.Selected Recognition:• Dealer of the Year – Saab, Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat & Mazda• AM Awards 2024 – UK Winner: Best in Customer Service• Motor Trader Awards 2021 – Winner: Most Improved Dealership• Mazda UK – Elite Club Winner & Dealer of the Year• 2026 Automotive Management Awards – National Finalist (Best in Customer Service, Franchised Dealer of the Year, Workshop of the Year)• Manufacturer Nominee – Dealer Principal / General Manager of the YearI am Customer-focused, motivated by fast-paced, premium, brand-led automotive environments where pace, accountability and excellence are expected. My strength lies in building high-performance leadership teams, launching and scaling OEM brands, and creating customer-experience-led businesses that perform consistently, not occasionally.I bring calm, decisive leadership, deep operational understanding and a reputation for integrity, trust and delivery.Managing Director / CEOAutomotive RetailDealer PrincipalBusiness TransformationOEM RelationsEV StrategyP & L OwnershipAftersales PerformanceCustomer Experience (CSI / NPS)Executive LeadershipFranchise Development