Advertisement feature from Harris Group
Harris Group strengthens leadership team as part of long-term growth strategy
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 enters a new phase of accelerated growth.
Pic: Harris Group Chair & CEO Denise Harris pictured with Brian Patterson, Barry McGrane, John Keogh, Mark Barrett (L-R)
As part of its strategy to take the business forward, Harris Group’s Chairperson and CEO, Denise Harris announced;
Brian Patterson as Group Managing Director: In his new role, Brian will advise on strategic direction and implementation, motivating the business to meet ambitious growth targets, with the core objective of delivering exceptional customer service in the areas of sales and aftersales. With responsibility for the company’s P&L, Brian Patterson brings two decades of motor industry experience to Harris Group.
Mark Barrett’s promotion to Managing Director of Group Franchises: Mark will now lead teams in both Ireland and the UK for Harris Group distributed brands. His new role includes growing MAXUS across right-hand drive Europe, expanding Isuzu in Ireland, 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 franchise dealership networks for the company.
John Keogh’s appointment as Managing Director of Retail Operations: John will be responsible for the ongoing digital transformation of the business positioning it as a best-in-class digitally-lead automotive retailer. He will lead the retail sales and fulfilment teams across vans, bus and coach, parts OEM and aftermarket (CAS division).
Barry McGrane’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer: A vastly experienced finance professional, Barry has more than 30 years’ experience working with both Irish and international businesses across multiple sectors, including motor trade, and will be responsible for Harris Group’s finance and IT functions.
Harris Group was founded by the late Pino Harris in 1961 in Dublin, Ireland, and is now under the leadership of his wife, Mrs Denise Harris, CEO and Chairperson. The new appointments, together with the restructuring of the business across every division have been designed to grow and futureproof the business and strengthen the company’s reputation as a leader in the automotive industry across the UK and Ireland.
Speaking about the new appointments, Denise Harris said: “Brian, Mark, John and Barry bring a wealth of expertise that will be pivotal in propelling Harris Group into a new era of growth and innovation across all our brands. Their leadership sees us poised to elevate our business across sales, aftersales, parts, and distribution, ensuring we remain at the forefront of excellence in the automotive sector over the next 60 years and beyond.”
Headquartered in Dublin, Harris Group has developed a strong presence in the UK, with a substantial, modern campus in Liverpool. Directed and managed from Ireland, the premises in Liverpool houses offices, a parts depot and warehouse together with Harris MAXUS’ proprietary technical training academy. In the UK, the business has a national network of some 60 MAXUS dealerships and aftersales centres.