The role aims to develop the globally recognised QVM (Qualified Vehicle Modifier) programme into Australia, as well as providing a commercial perspective within the SVE (Special Vehicle Engineering) team.

Mr Philpott was previously general manager of marketing, sales and administration at Tickford which enhanced Ford models including the Mustang, Ranger, Everest and F150.

It also developed and built high-performance special edition vehicles, in limited numbers, which have included the Allan Moffat-inspired Tickford Trans-Am, Bathurst ’77 Special, the TSV-535R and the HTZ-66 for the Australian Hertz rental fleet, paying homage to the 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350-H.

Prior to that role at Tickford, Mr Philpott spent almost four years as group commercial director of Tickford Racing which has run four cars in the Australian Supercars competition.

He oversaw the commercial, marketing, sales, public relations and general commercial elements of both the racing team (partners, contracts, activations, securing numerous new partners with hundreds of thousands in value), while also developing the network, brand identity and philosophy for the burgeoning automotive side of the business, including marketing, sales, new national centres, and bespoke projects such as the Bathurst 77 Special.

By Neil Dowling