JOWETT Motor Group has appointed Brett Jakes as CEO, stepping up from COO, while founder and owner Tony Jowett continues as managing director.

The group has also appointed Chris Jowett, who has worked in the family business for the past 10 years, as its new COO.

JMG said that the changes, effective from March 3, are in line with a commitment to growth and to provide opportunities for its team.

Brett Jakes

Mr Jakes has been with the group for seven years and his promotion is seen as a natural progression in his career and follows his instrumental role in driving the company’s success and growth over the past several years.

JMG owner and managing director, Tony Jowett, will continue to lead the company, bringing his experience and vision to the organisation as it enters this exciting new phase.

The new COO, Chris Jowett, has held various key positions within JMG, including roles in parts, service, sales, and sales management.

He is currently the dealer principal of the Honda and Chery sites. His broad experience within the company positions him well to help oversee the group’s expanding operations.

Tony Jowett said: “We are excited for this new chapter in Jowett Motor Group’s journey.

“Brett’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in our success, and we are confident that under his guidance as CEO, JMG will continue to thrive.

Chris Jowett

“Additionally, Chris’s wealth of experience across different areas of the business makes him the perfect choice to step into the COO role, helping us to navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with our growth.”

Incoming CEO Brett Jakes said: “I’m thrilled to take on the role of CEO at Jowett Motor Group.

“Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team, and I look forward to leading the company into the next phase of its development. Our focus will remain on delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions for our brand partners and customers.”

JMG said the changes have also resulted in a restructure of leadership within the Honda, Chery and Geely businesses.

From March 3, current general manager Troy Greenwood will become the dealer principal of Eastern Honda and Chery Doncaster; while Matthew McMaster, current general manager will become dealer principal of Northern Honda and Geely Epping.

At Brighton Honda Centre and Geely Brighton, Aaron Cosstick will become dealer principal having held senior leadership and sales positions at Waverley BMW for the past seven years.

Chris Jowett said: “I look forward to working with a capable and experienced team of dealer principals, all of whom have worked at JMG for the five-plus years and are the recent alumni of our ‘future leaders’ programme’.”

Jowett Motor Group (JMG) was started by Tony Jowett in 1995 with brands Audi, Volkswagen and Subaru, before opening Eastern Honda Doncaster in 2000.

Tony Jowett

JMG has continued as a family-owned and operated business with its award-winning group of dealerships across Victoria, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

It is an established retail partner of Honda Australia, Chery Australia and Geely Australia, operating three metro Honda Centres: Eastern Honda, Northern Honda & Brighton Honda Centre, Chery Doncaster and Geely Brighton and Epping.

It opened its first BMW dealership in 2013, Waverley BMW, and in 2020 added South Yarra BMW, then Berwick BMW and more recently, Berwick Mini Garage.

It also opened Glenelg BMW and Mini Garage in South Australia in 2021 – now under redevelopment and to open this year – and Canberra BMW and Mini Garage and BMW Motorrad in September 2024. It added Audi Centre Canberra in October 2024.