ONE of the UK’s biggest auto retail groups, Lookers, has appointed Alex Smith as its chair and a board member of associate company Wismo Group.

Mr Smith joins Lookers from Volkswagen Group UK where he has been managing director for the past six years.

He also served as a vice president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and is a former managing director of Nissan Motor Great Britain.

Mr Smith will join James Brearley in leading Lookers along with the balance of the recently appointed new executive team charged with continuing the transformation and substantive progress that has been made since Lookers was acquired by Global Auto Holdings Ltd (GAHL) in 2023.

Alex Smith

GAHL said the Lookers team had made significant progress in transforming the business into a customer-centric, high-performing auto retailer that strives to be a strong partner to  both manufacturer stakeholders and customers.

“We are extremely pleased to add someone of Alex’s calibre to the Lookers leadership team, said the company in a statement,

“We believe his deep automotive expertise, track record of industry leading results and overall strategic capabilities will greatly benefit both Lookers as well as GAHL’s European operations as we continue to pursue operational excellence and growth.”

Mr Smith’s appointment to the chair of Lookers completes the first phase of a business transformation that has been underway since its acquisition by GAHL in 2023.

“In an industry experiencing profound change and simultaneous opportunity, I’m absolutely delighted to join Global Auto Holdings to work with dedicated and experienced leadership teams with demonstrable track records in retail, automotive and financial services to drive the group’s growth ambitions in the UK and Europe,” said Mr Smith.

“I’m especially excited by the talent depth across the group and by the strength of the brands which GAHL proudly represents. I look forward to working with every colleague to deliver for our OEM partners and customers in this transformative period for us all.”

The Lookers executive committee now also includes managing director James Brearley, who is the former head of Inchcape’s UK retail business and chief operating officer with Peter Vardy.

It also has chief financial officer Owen McLellan, who was formerly managing director of Company Shop Group and held several senior roles during a 10-year tenure at leading UK retailer Morrisons.

Founded in 1908, Lookers is one of the biggest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers and specialising in new and used electric car sales across a network of 150 franchised locations. Lookers Plc was acquired by GAH in 2023.

Formerly known as K.W. Bruun Import A/S, Wismo Group is one of the largest car importers in the Nordics representing multiple brands. Wismo was acquired by GAH in 2024.

Based in London, GAHL is one of the largest consumer-facing global automotive companies in the world, operating through two principal business lines comprising 172 franchised dealerships across the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Sweden, and new vehicle and parts distribution.