He was part of the successful transition of Mercedes-Benz in Australia to an agency retail model that was executed by LSH Auto in this country. He has been tapped for the role given his experience ahead of Mercedes-Benz UK’s change this year to an agency model.

Mr Blackman takes on his new role this month, based in LSH’s flagship Stockport premises, and will head a UK operation with six core Mercedes-Benz outlets in the market territories of Manchester and Birmingham.

His appointment in the UK comes after a four-and-a-half-year stint at Mercedes-Benz Melbourne. This was preceded by a period in charge of LSH Auto’s Mercedes-Benz Sydney, which is now headed by dealer principal Susan Butler, another internal promotion within the LSH Auto Group.

LSH said that Mr Blackman’s UK appointment is seen not only as a major recognition of talent but also an endorsement of the executive development programs within LSH Auto Australia.

“It is all part of the company’s efforts to identify and support new talent and engage with team career progress,” the company said.

“Efforts that saw the company named as one of the AFR Boss Best Places to Work 2022, being the only automotive industry business so recognised.”

Mr Blackman said: “I’m humbled and excited by the opportunity. I’ve benefited from working with some great leaders in the Australian industry and very much enjoyed the support of the Melbourne leadership team and the entire staff, over my four and half years here.

“I’m also looking forward to getting into the new job, where one of the key tasks will be to help the UK team transition to the agency model over the course of 2023.”

LSH Auto Australia managing director John Good, who himself has had an extensive international career spanning over 30 years with both the LSH Group and Mercedes-Benz – including establishing the UK operation – congratulated Mr Blackman on his appointment.

“Whilst we hate to see Vaughan go, his promotion is all part of the LSH Auto philosophy of developing executive talent, a point of both personal fulfilment and maximum value to the group,” Mr Good said.

“We look for opportunities to offer our strong performers new challenges where they can both add value and gain increased experience. It’s a policy that provides benefits for all.

“In that respect we are thrilled for Vaughan and pleased that we have been playing our part in developing industry leading talent.”

Agency: Vaughan Blackman becomes MD of LSH Auto in the UK ahead of agency transition

By Neil Dowlingl