Cox Automotive Europe has strengthened its senior management team with some significant new hires.

Victoria Gardner is appointed director of development at NextGear Capital, the company’s specialist vehicle stock-funding business, where she will spearhead new business. Victoria joins from technology provider epyx where she was most recently head of remarketing in a career that spanned 13 years with the fleet management tech company.

Experienced fleet executive Michael Stewart is appointed Cox Automotive Europe director - manufacturer and fleet. Stewart’s brief is to manage the company’s major OEM and fleet customers and to implement remarketing strategies across the vehicle lifecycle. Most recently automotive sales director at Copart, a used and salvage car auction business, he has been a fleet director at Hyundai, head of leasing for Nisaan and marketing manager for fleet and used vehicles at Mazda.

The third appointment is an internal promotion for Daniel Brookes. Previously head of buyer services for auction business Manheim, Brookes is now appointed director of dealer development for Cox Automotive Europe.

All three report directly to Sam Panayides, UK sales director at Cox Automotive Europe.

Commenting on the three appointments, Panayides said:

 “We have a clear vision for Europe and these new appointments will play pivotal roles in helping us to achieve our ambitious growth plans. This is an exciting time to be joining Cox Automotive and comes off the back of several notable new contracts wins across our business. I’m looking forward to working closely with Victoria, Michael and Daniel to help promote our brands and services as well as expanding our market presence.”