Whose making moves in their automotive careers
PMF introduces this month’s movers and shakers as they advance their career in the UK aftermarket.
Jaya Car Parts
Jayar Car Parts has appointed Darren Wykes and Marc Wise as a consultant and assistant general manager respectively.
Darren, a former Motor Parts Direct managing director, is tasked with identifying new branch opportunities, strengthening operations and bolstering efficiency and performance. Meanwhile, Marc is to be the central point of contact for Jayar’s regional managers, strengthening communication and collaboration across the network.
Both join the family-owned motor factor as it celebrates 50 years of serving the trade. It is expanding and developing its network, with Independent Motor Factors recently acquired, taking Jayar’s branch network to 70.
Darren said: “I am very excited to join the team at Jayar. There is a huge opportunity to build on what is already a great business. My role as a consultant will involve working very closely with the team to assist their strategic growth plans within current branch operations whilst also identifying new branch opportunities.”
Marc added: “I’m excited to be joining Jayar at such a pivotal time for the business. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly the market is evolving and how important it is to balance strong relationships with the ability to adapt. What attracted me to Jayar is its unique position as a growing, family-run business with a clear ambition to expand while maintaining its core values.”
To connect with Darren on LinkedIn, click here.
To connect with Marc on LinkedIn, click here.
Valeo Service UK
Valeo Service UK has recruited Bastian Mertens as director of marketing aftermarket Northern Europe, signalling the “next stage” of the supplier’s development across the region.
Having joined Valeo Service in November, Bastian has now set out a 2026 roadmap, aimed at strengthening Valeo’s position as a full-service partner to both distributors and workshops.
Bastian said: “Joining Valeo at this pivotal moment for the automotive aftermarket is incredibly exciting. It’s clear that simply being a component manufacturer is no longer enough. My priority is to deliver Valeo’s ‘augmented service’ vision, bringing together our OE-quality parts with the data, tools and training our partners need to succeed.”
With more than 15 years’ experience in the distribution sector, including senior roles at LKQ Europe, Valeo says Bastian’s strategy focuses on combining the company’s technical nous, digital tools and training support to help the trade respond to both an ageing vehicle parc and the increasing complexity of modern vehicle technologies.
To connect with Bastian on LinkedIn, click here.
Formula One Autocentres
Jon Butcher will retire from Formula One Autocentres in July after helping to build the company’s portfolio to more than 170 sites. He will be succeeded by Simon Hughes, the company’s finance director, who led the recent acquisition of 35 sites from ATS.
The former tyre fitter joined the business in 1987 and worked his way up to Manager, Area Manager and then Sales Director before becoming Managing Director six years ago.
He will be succeeded by current Finance Director Simon Hughes, who has led the recent acquisition of 35 sites from ATS.
To connect with Simon on LinkedIn, click here.
