Steer Automotive Group has announced major changes in its leadership group, with founder and CEO Richard Steer transitioning to the role of executive chairman.
He will be succeeded as CEO by Jana Siber, while Richard Thorogood has been promoted to the role of Steer UK managing director.
Meanwhile, Gavin Ruddick will leave the business after five years, having played a key role in Steer’s growth into the UK’s largest bodyshop group.
Siber brings a wealth of leadership experience to the group, having held CEO and senior executive roles at leading businesses including British Gas Services, Arriva and Avis. Prior to that, she spent 13 years as a management consultant at Accenture and then Bain.
Ambitious plans
Steer said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jana to the Steer family and look forward to working alongside her as we continue to build on the success we’ve achieved to date. Jana brings extensive leadership experience and a proven track record of growing complex businesses, making her an excellent fit for the next stage of Steer’s journey.
“I’d also like to congratulate Richard on his promotion to UK managing director. I’ve known him for more than 30 years, and he has an outstanding track record of building and leading successful body shop operations.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to Gavin for the tremendous contribution he has made over the years. He has played an instrumental role in building Steer into the business it is today and it has been a pleasure working with him. I wish him every success for the future.
“Today, Steer operates a network of more than 200 repair centres, employing 4,400 people and repairs over 200,000 vehicles each year. We have ambitious plans to continue expanding and diversifying the business and I look forward to working with Jana and the wider team to deliver the next phase of our growth.”
High standards
Siber added: “I have long admired Richard’s entrepreneurial journey and what he has built at Steer. Under his leadership, the business has grown from a start-up into the UK’s market-leading automotive repair platform, supported by an exceptional team and a culture centred on teamwork, customer service and operational excellence.
“I’m delighted to be joining Steer at such an exciting time. I look forward to getting to know our colleagues, customers and partners and to working together to continue delivering the high standards and innovation that have made Steer the market leader.”
