Group 1 Automotive Promote Mark Bridgland to Managing Director

The Director of Operations at Group 1 Automotive has accepted the role of Managing Director. The move ends 22 months without an MD. 39-year-old Mark Bridgland will take the helm. He assumes responsibility for the company’s human resources, finance and other support functions in the UK. Mark will also oversee dealership operations.

UK Operations

Former MD, Darren Guiver left the US-based AM100 car retail group in November 2019. Group 1 President and Chief Executive Earl Hesterberg said: “Mark has spent 20 years working in the automotive industry. Over the past nine years at Group 1 he has been instrumental in the success of our UK operations. 

“We are pleased to expand his role to Managing Director. His background and proven leadership make him an ideal candidate to assume this important role.”

Bridgland joined Group 1 from Lookers in 2013. He began his career with the group as the UK’s Finance and Insurance Compliance Manager.

Increased Revenues

Group 1 acquired the nine-site Robinsons Motor Group in 2021. By year-end 2021 Group 1 operated 75 franchised sites operating from 55 locations across the UK. The business also includes 12 collision centres. 

In May the business revealed that its revenues had risen 30.1% during the period to the end of March to reach a record $3.8 billion (£3.03bn) as net income from continuing operations hit a record $201.1m (£160.3m) – a 99.3% increase year-on-year.

Record Profits

News of the impressive start to 2022 came three months after its annual financial results for 2021 showed a 27.2% increase in revenues as gross profit rose 40.7%.

Group 1 President and Chief Executive Earl Hesterberg said: “Our record profit performance this quarter was the result of continued strong consumer demand and outstanding operational performance across all business segments in the US and UK.”