IA announces new head of sales

Barney Butterell has joined Innovation Automotive (IA), the UK’s first multi-brand, electric automotive company, as head of sales.

He starts his role at IA as the company begins to shape its sales operations and before the arrival of the first product, the 100%-electric compact panel van, the DFSK EC35.

After 10-years working in the motor industry, Butterell joins Innovation Automotive with experience in various sales-focused roles at Volkswagen Group UK, most recently as national Used car manager at ŠKODA UK. Prior to his time at VWG, Barney gained over 10 years’ experience in account management and business development, giving him a deep understanding of customer led sales.

The recent acceleration of digitalisation and e-commerce is re-shaping customer expectations, driving demand for a simplified, modernised approach to vehicle sales. Innovation Automotive will deliver the very best electric vehicles via a direct-to-consumer sales model, enabling customers to make the switch to zero emissions with minimal hassle and maximum confidence.

Paul Brigden, IA’s CEO, said: “We are entering an important phase in the launch of the new Innovation Automotive brand. Innovation Automotive wants to interact with its customers online and face-to-face. Barney’s experience and expertise will help us realise our objectives and lead us on the path to success.”

Butterell said: “The motor industry is entering the most significant and complex period of change in its history. The opportunity to join Innovation Automotive as a new, electric vehicle company is very exciting. We have some really competitive products coming to the UK, and I am looking forward to launching our first vehicles in the New Year.”