Vertu appoints auto retail veteran to run new Leeds showroom

Auto retailer Vertu Motors has appointed Rik Shield to run its new Leeds-based Jaguar Land Rover showroom. Operating under the Farnell brand, the retail site is scheduled to open in the new year.

Shield, a 20-year veteran of the motor trade, will be responsible for a staff of 110. The majority are already part of the existing Farnell family employed at the current Jaguar and Land Rover Leeds operations, with recruitment planned for additional technician, sales and aftersales roles.

The new £10.5 million centre located on Sheepscar Way boasts three floors, 90,000 sq ft of space, a customer cafe and drive through service centre. Roof top parking and a chauffeur shuttle service into Leeds city centre are the retailer’s other main customer service features.