Advertisement feature: Harris Group appoints Mark Barrett as Managing Director of Group Franchises

Advertisement feature from Harris Group

Harris Group’s Strategic Shift Includes Dealership expansion and Higer UK Debut

Automotive distributor and retailer, Harris Group, has announced a strategic restructuring of the company and the appointment of a new senior leadership team as it positions itself for a new phase of accelerated growth in 2024 and beyond.

Chairperson and CEO Denise Harris announced the promotion of Mark Barrett as Managing Director of Group Franchises.

In his expanded role, Mark will be central to the strategic development of all brands under the Harris Group umbrella, this includes growing MAXUS across right-hand drive Europe and bringing the Higer brand (bus & coach) to the UK market. He will also be responsible for sales and marketing functions for all brands and the development of the group’s franchise dealership networks.

With a career spanning almost 30 years within the automotive industry, Mark Barrett brings a wealth of experience to his new role having worked with some of the leading brands in the world across fleet rental / leasing, commercial, HGV and LGV sectors.

Mark played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the MAXUS commercial vehicle range in the UK and Ireland. Under his leadership, the brand has introduced several all-new platform vehicles to the market, including the launch of the first all-electric luxury MPV and pick-up truck across right-hand drive Europe.

Denise Harris, said of the appointment: “Mark’s extensive experience and exceptional leadership have been instrumental in the success of Harris Group, particularly in the relaunch of our MAXUS range and the introduction of cutting-edge electric vehicles. With a new era of growth underway, his strategic insights will help drive our brands to new heights, fortifying it for the next 60 years and beyond.”

Harris Group was founded by the late Pino Harris in 1961 in Dublin, Ireland. Now under the leadership of his wife, Mrs Denise Harris, the company is set for significant growth in 2024 across all departments, including sales and distribution, after sales, parts and assembly, and training. The company also has ambitions to grow the MAXUS dealership network by 15% over the coming months.

Headquartered in Dublin, the business has developed a strong presence in the UK establishing a depot in Liverpool from where it houses its UK offices, as well as a parts & distribution centre and training academy.