Steer Automotive Group confirms senior appointments
Steer Automotive Group has confirmed the promotion of Steve Hoe as head of OEM paint and body partnerships – a move that was announced in the March 2026 issue of Bodyshop Magazine out yesterday – and the appointment of Adele Brownsell as UK group client partnership director.
Both positions are newly created and sit within Steer’s growing Client Commercial Team.
Steer Automotive Group appointments
Hoe transitions from his previous role as head of academy and organisation development, where he was instrumental in building the Steer Academy and creating a consistent pipeline of skilled apprentices.
He joined the AW Repair business in the East Midlands in 2001, playing a key role in developing AW’s OEM paint and body approval portfolio, prior to its acquisition by Steer in July 2022. With his extensive operational expertise and track record in delivering major projects, Hoe is ideally placed to lead Steer’s prestige and mainstream OEM paint and body programmes, while serving as the focal point for the company’s partners.
Brownsell will lead Steer’s national client partnership function, providing strategic oversight across all major insurer, fleet, OEM, and mobility relationships, across the group.
She brings more than 20 years of motor claims, supply chain, and account management leadership experience, supported by deep operational expertise and a strong industry reputation, alongside market knowledge, commercial acumen, and strategic leadership. Her experience will enhance Steer’s ability to deliver long-term value, support evolving client needs, and maintain the highest standards of performance and engagement across its national network.
Expertise and professionalism
Richard Thorogood, chief commercial officer, said: “We congratulate Steve on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to his continued leadership and contribution to Steer Automotive Group’s ongoing growth and innovation.
“Within this space, this is an exciting time of refinement and development for Steer Automotive, and delivering exceptional outcomes for our manufacturing partnership clients, remains a critical cornerstone of our business strategy. The expertise, professionalism and strong market reputation Steve has built over a number of years, made him the perfect choice for this well-earned recognition and promotion, and we are excited for the future.”
Thorogood continued: “We recognised that to achieve our client and business goals, we needed to build an outstanding team to deliver our ambition. We are delighted that Adele has joined our journey and will be the focal point of that team and in turn client activity. Adele has the broad and extensive expertise which will enhance our client understanding, as she now looks to solidify and build out a market leading client team, and we are very positive and excited for the benefits this will bring to our partners.”
