COX Automotive Australia has announced two new appointments – one on the Manheim Auctions side of the business and another as a full time corporate affairs manager.

The company has announced that Andrew Chapman is returning to automotive auctions with his appointment as Manheim Australia national auction manager.

Mr Chapman was Manheim head of sales until December 2021 when he moved across to working as an auctioneer in the real estate industry. All told he has spent 18 years at Manheim.

Andrew Chapman

A major focus will be driving the newly-formed Manheim Auction Academy which was set up to ensure the company’s auctioneers are the best-trained in the industry.

Mr Chapman will be responsible for the process for all physical and simulcast auctions and developing a pipeline of future talent.

He will hold our first Manheim Auction Academy training program in late February.

Mr Chapman said that his appointment came at the same time as Manheim had reopened its physical auction lanes on the eastern seaboard.

“We are seeing growing crowds visiting our sites to inspect our range and participate in our in-lane auctions,” he said.

Announcing Mr Chapman’s return, Cox Automotive Australia Remarketing and Vehicle Solutions managing director Murray Naismith said he was “confident that under Andrew’s tutelage, Manheim will be recognised as the leading auction house in our industry, setting ourselves apart from our competition, as well as setting ourselves up for years of success well into the future”.

Cox Automotive Australia has also announced the appointment of Mike Costello as corporate affairs manager.

Mike Costello

Mr Costello has worked as an editor at GoAutoNews, and worked for CarAdvice, CarExpert and Drive.com.au.

In this newly created role, he will be responsible for increasing awareness for Cox Automotive Australia and its brands, products and services and will liaise with the media, industry bodies and community organisations.

Cox Automotive Australia CEO Stephen Lester said Mr Costello’s “extensive experience and credentials will hold us in good stead to lead our efforts to help our customers and the industry tackle major challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities by providing us the ability to offer tangible insights and analysis tailored for the ANZ markets”.