25/03/2021
Lookers plc has confirmed the appointment of Chris Whitaker to the role of Chief People Officer, effective immediately, completing a series of Senior Management appointments.
One of the UK and Ireland’s leading motor retail and aftersales service groups, Lookers plc said this key appointment marks a new and important milestone in the company’s plans for new growth and development.
An accomplished Group HR director with almost 30 years’ experience, Chris joined Lookers in August 2020 and has been acting as Interim HR director since October. Chris will now lead the company’s HR and internal communications operations in his new role as Chief People Officer.
Lookers’ Executive Committee now comprises Chief Executive Mark Raban, Chief Operating Officer Duncan McPhee, Chief Financial Officer Anna Bielby, Chief Information Officer Andy Garrett, Chief Risk Officer Marcus Kenny and Company Secretary Phil Kenny.
Mark Raban, Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the appointment:
“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Whitaker to the role of Chief People Officer, further consolidating our senior management team and providing a strong base from which to drive new growth and development.
“Our people are our most valuable asset and I have every confidence that Chris will continue to harness the outstanding talent, skills and experience we seek to build further on this unrivalled core strength.
“With his fresh impetus, Chris has already made a fantastic contribution to the Group and he will bring invaluable experience to the role as we prepare to safely scale up our operations again when restrictions are eased. I am delighted that Chris is joining our Executive Committee and I look forward to working closely with him in the weeks and months ahead.”
A graduate of the University of Huddersfield, Chris is a forward thinking, strategically focused and pragmatic leader with proven expertise in attracting, retaining and developing talent.
Chief People Officer, Chris Whitaker, said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining the senior team at Lookers at an important, exciting time in the company’s development and I look forward to assisting in delivering a new, shared growth right across our network. This appointment is a privilege, and I would like to thank my colleagues for their support as I embark on this new and focal role.”
Earlier this month, Lookers announced the appointment of Paul van der Burgh as a non-Executive Director from 1 April, joining the Board with non-Executive Chairman Phil White CBE and non-Executive Directors, Heather Jackson, Vicky Mitchell and Robin Churchouse.
Lookers represents 31 vehicle manufacturers, selling and servicing a wide range of new and used vehicles from a network of 160 dealerships in the UK and Ireland.