Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, has appointed Pete Marden as Business Development Director with a specific focus on servicing, maintenance and repair (SMR).
In rejoining Kwik Fit, Marden returns to where he began his automotive career, having first joined the company as an apprentice around 25 years ago. After progressing into management roles in centre operations, Marden was appointed Head of Core Fleet and Business Development, a role he held until 2017. He then joined Halfords, where he was most recently Director of B2B and Fleet.
As Business Development Director, Marden will lead the growth of Kwik Fit’s SMR proposition, especially in supporting fleet customers. He will play a key role in deciding the future strategy for SMR across Kwik Fit, including supplier relationships, capital expenditure and the expansion of the network. He will also take on responsibility for Kwik Fit Club, the company’s tyre and servicing subscription offering.
Marden will report to Dan Joyce, Retail Operations Director at Kwik Fit. He said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Pete back to Kwik Fit. He has a wealth of experience, both as a result of many years within our organisation, and also from the wider sector. Adding Pete to our leadership team will help strengthen our offering and deepen client relationships. Pete will also play a key role in building our SMR share outside the fleet sector. We believe that the rapidly evolving car parc presents significant potential for independent providers who are able to invest in skills and infrastructure. We are looking to capitalise on this opportunity and this appointment is a statement of Kwik Fit’s on-going intent to lead the automotive aftermarket in this area.”
Pete Marden said: “It’s a really exciting time to be rejoining Kwik Fit. Some things are very familiar but I’ve been struck by how much the business has developed since I was last here. The investment the company has been making in people, technology and the centre and mobile network is clear to see. Kwik Fit has always had the strongest tyre management offering in the sector and I look forward to helping take the SMR proposition to the next level and build even stronger partnerships with our customers.”
