CRAIG Rowney has been appointed national manager of retail performance management at Op2ma Pty Ltd, an Australian company delivering digital solutions, consulting and consumer engagement services in the automotive sector.

In his new role, Mr Rowney, who has been with Op2ma for 10 years, will work with the company’s major clients and partners to help them optimise their operations as they chart their course in a rapidly changing industry.

Op2ma made the change in order to better help dealer and retail networks manage a rapidly changing and increasingly complex business environment.

Not only is the industry dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, but also a number of macro dynamics that are impacting all areas of automotive retailing.

They include the rapid rise of electric vehicles, new distribution business models (such as ‘agency’ dealerships), dealer/retailer consolidation and digital retailing (including financial services).

Op2ma says in a statement that the “annual business plan” is now in a state of flux as all stakeholders scramble to navigate a path to business success.

Led by Mr Rowney, this ‘operation optimisation’ will include field force management, data complexity, network financial health, retail performance improvement and retail standards reviews and audits.

Op2ma says its mission is to help clients minimise business complexity and maximise their financial performance.

Their Ri-focus platform is the benchmark technology for helping OEMs, financiers and large dealer groups manage their retail networks.

Ri-focus is now in 21 countries and delivers cost savings, productivity improvements and deep industry insight.

By Peter Barnwell