The Garage 353

PEOPLE
People stories and movements from around your industry
Marketing Manager
joins First Line Ltd
Aftermarket specialist First Line Ltd. has appointed Alex
Jarvis-Cleaver as its new marketing manager to spearhead
the company’s communications strategy and drive brand
awareness.
Jarvis-Cleaver has a wealth of
experience in marketing, having
led marketing operations at a
manufacturer of torque tools
for six years, prior to a brief
career break that saw him take
on a trip across the United
States.
In his new role, alongside
developing and executing First
Line Ltd.’s marketing strategy,
Jarvis-Cleaver will handle all
communications, producing
the company’s regular email
newsletters, social media
content, and designing its
popular branded goods, as well
as attending trade exhibitions
to ensure the company can
continue to embrace the
latest industry updates and
innovations.
On his new role, Jarvis-
Cleaver said: “I’m excited to
have joined First Line – a very
successful organisation with a
fantastic reputation that’s only
growing.
“It’s a renowned aftermarket
brand set apart by its quality of
products, and extensive range
of over 40,000 references
across 60 product lines. There’s
so much potential within
the company and I’m looking
forward to driving further
awareness of what First Line
can offer the aftermarket.”
Ramón
Hoekman
expands role
within WAI
WAI’s Vice-President of Sales Europe, Ramón Hoekman, has
expanded his role to ensure a greater involvement in the overall
sales and commercial aspects of the business, as the
organisation aligns under the new umbrella, WAI Europe.
The announcement comes following a number of
leadership changes made by the global auto electrical
specialist, which saw current UK managing director Richard
Welland now appointed as President of Europe, overseeing all
European operations.
Hoekman joined the company in 2007 as a Business
Development Manager, working his way up to VP Sales EMEA.
In his new role Ramón will work closely with Richard to enhance
commercial operations and strengthen WAI’s presence in the
European market.
Commenting on his expanded role, Hoekman said: “I’m
excited to be undertaking this new role within WAI, at a time
when the WAI brand is increasing its profile among customers in
the European aftermarket. Through our continued investment,
we are meeting the needs of an evolving sector and ensuring
customers benefit from a high quality, reliable partner.”
Richard Welland added: “Ramón has consistently
demonstrated remarkable dedication and passion for driving
growth within our organisation.
Mark Armitage joins Autotech
Group as Commercial Director
Autotech Group has announced the appointment of Mark Armitage, FIMI,
as Commercial Director - a newly created position for the progressive company.
With over 30 years of industry
experience, most recently
at The Institute of the Motor
Industry (IMI), Mark brings a
wealth of knowledge to the
position and is set to drive the
growth of Autotech Group’s
four divisions – Recruit, Training,
Academy and Connect.
Joining the automotive
sector straight from school
as an apprentice, Mark has
worked across dealer groups,
the Department of Education,
and the RAC in a range of roles
covering training and business
development. Alongside
senior management positions
within the IMI, he was also
instrumental in setting them
up as an Apprentice End Point
Assessment Organisation.
While bringing a depth of
industry knowledge to Autotech
Group, Mark’s breadth of
experience covers each of the
company’s divisions which have
all been created to drive talent
into the automotive aftermarket
and reduce the skills shortage.
“I am delighted to join
Autotech Group,” Mark
comments. “The IMI does a
tremendous job in supporting
the sector and, after 8 years
with them, I have cultivated a
strong team who will succeed
me and continue to drive
forward the IMI with their own
fresh ideas.
There is no getting away from
the fact that the skills shortage
is leaving a lasting legacy on the
automotive industry and there
are currently 26,000 vacancies
within the sector. Over the
years, I have got to know Gavin
and the team at Autotech
Group, and I have always been
impressed with the company’s
tenacity and ability to tackle the
issues facing the sector head on.
The recent addition of
Autotech Connect to the
company’s portfolio cemented
my desire to work with them
as I have always been a strong
advocate for introducing digital
and technological solutions into
a business.”
We are looking forward to
seeing how Mark will drive our
company divisions forward
and take our expertise to new,
untapped sub sectors of the
industry.”
34 THE GARAGE
34 people.indd 1 27/07/2023 12:42