Michael Sommerton

COX Automotive Australia has appointed Michael Sommerton as the new chief executive of Dealer Solutions.

Reporting to Cox Automotive Australia CEO Rob Whiten, Mr Sommerton commenced his role this week. He will also join the Cox Automotive Australia board of management.

Mr Sommerton replaces Damian Jones, who after 18 years of service has made the decision to leave the business.

Mr Jones resigned in August and was working through his 12-month notice period. However, due to personal circumstances, he took the decision to allow a new CEO to lead the business into 2018.

Mr Whiten praised Mr Jones for his “exceptional contribution to the company over such a long and successful career”.

“He leaves with our best wishes and congratulations for all he has achieved,” he said. “At some time in the future, it is entirely possible we may work with him again under the Cox Automotive umbrella so we will certainly stay in touch.”

Damian Jones

Mr Sommerton joins Dealer Solutions most recently from Royal Wolf Holdings Limited, an ASX-listed company where he was executive general manager for Australia.

Prior to consulting to DB Schenker, an integrated logistics company, especially in securing OEM contracts, he was managing director for AutoNexus, a subsidiary of Inchcape.

AutoNexus provides automotive services to OEMs, large corporates, fleet management organisations, dealerships and also manages a large wholesale and retail parts operation.

Mr Sommerton’s career also includes senior roles in HR, working for the Ford Retail Joint Venture in Sydney as group human resources manager before taking on a role as Inchcape’s director of HR and communications.

Mr Whiten said he was pleased to have secured someone of Mr Sommerton’s calibre to lead Dealer Solutions.

“His experience and expertise, not just in the automotive sector but gained in a number of associated industries, ensures he has the credentials to successfully manage the Dealer Solutions business,” he said.

Mr Sommerton’s immediate focus will be on strengthening and streamlining the company’s broad product range as well as reviewing various Cox Automotive products in place overseas for use in Australia.

“Dealer Solutions also has an integral role to play in connecting the CAA brands for the benefit of our customers and Michael is very well placed to assist with this important priority for the business,” Mr Whiten said.

By John Mellor