AA has appointed experienced fleet management executive Avon Bailey to the newly established role of dealer relationship manager to support the growth of the AA’s preferred dealer network.
He will hold responsibility for building the AA’s capability in the used car space including working closely with the AA’s current preferred dealers and onboarding new ones.
Bailey spent 17 years with Turners, which also saw him in Canada heading up its North American venture. He has worked in vehicle finance and leasing and for several years oversaw the procurement and re-marketing of the Thrifty rental fleet. Recently, after finishing an MBA, he operated his own retail/wholesale trading operation based in Auckland.
The membership organisation has also appointed Rob Kieran as northern region relationship manager role overseeing the AA Auto Centre franchises and AA approved repairer network from Taupo north.
Kieran will focus on strengthening the network of 39 AA Auto Centres and 150 Approved Repairers.
He brings more than 20 years’ experience across retail and wholesale automotive environments in both the UK and NZ. Beginning his career as a mechanic, Kieran held several service technician roles for brands such as Jaguar, Honda and Subaru. Most recently he was service manager for Tristram European and throughout a 10-year tenure at Volkswagen NZ held roles spanning from technical support through to dealer development and training manager.
AA chief mobility officer Jonathan Sergel says Avon and Rob are ideal for the roles and believes the AA network will flourish with their guidance.
“I am thrilled to welcome Avon and Rob to the AA, they both bring solid expertise which will support our ambitions to build our expert motoring network and deliver an outstanding customer experience.
“As part of this, we want to give motorists greater confidence buying used vehicles and as Avon has been there and done that in most aspects of the used car trade, he is well equipped to support and enhance our dealer-facing programmes.
“Our Auto Centre franchises are also an important part of our service, and we want to continue to grow our footprint while also delivering new and enhanced product offerings to keep pace with the needs of our customers.
“Rob with his management experience, sales and servicing knowledge coupled with technical ability is well placed do this, and I’m sure will support the northern network to go from strength to strength,” Sergel says.
Bailey started with the AA in December and Kieran starts early January.
