A leading Midlands motor business has a new man at the helm who aims to drive the company to even further success.
James Bertram, 49, has joined Wolverhampton Volkswagen – part of Trust Group UK which also has Volkswagen sites in Redditch and Stourbridge – as Brand Manager following the retirement of Paul Cooper.
Originally from Scotland, James began his successful career in the motor trade in 1996 at Skelly’s Motorstore in Motherwell, where he worked his way through the ranks from sales executive to Operations Manager, overseeing the sale of the business to Arnold Clarke.
He made the move south of the border 15 years ago when he joined Carcraft at Wednesbury as general and regional manager, working for 10 years in multiple senior positions across various locations.
Two further managerial roles followed at Evans Halshaw and Peter Cox before the Wolverhampton Volkswagen opportunity came knocking.
James said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a fantastic brand as Volkswagen and excited at working with Trust Group.
“The challenge ahead is to engage with colleagues here at our Bilston Road site and while leading by example from the front, demonstrate that I relish getting involved.
“With support from the whole team, we will ensure that our customers receive an experience they won’t ever forget when they visit Wolverhampton Volkswagen.”
Andrew Hockedy, managing director of Trust Group UK, said of the appointment: “James is an ambitious and hardworking leader and we are confident that his enthusiasm and inspiration will drive the business to further success.”
Out of work, James lives in the pretty Staffordshire village of Codsall with his partner Jo. He has two grown up sons; Andrew who works in the prison service, and Derek who is in the Commando Regiment.
He is a keen charity fundraiser, mostly through his extreme cycling challenges which have raised more than £160,000 to date. He is currently planning a three day, 300 mile a day bike ride from France to help a young disabled boy from Codsall.
Wolverhampton Volkswagen stocks a full range of new Volkswagen cars and a wide range of Approved Used Volkswagen vehicles as well as offering a full range of Volkswagen Aftersales services.
For more information, visit http://www.trustgroup.com/volkswagen