Former Wallace Arnold man to lead Harris Group dealer progress
One-time Wallace Arnold man Glen Wright has been named Dealer Network Development Manager by Harris Group, where he takes up responsibility for expanding and strengthening the networks behind a multi-brand portfolio that includes Higer coaches and buses.
His arrival follows a slew of other appointments within both the group and its Harris Bus and Coach operation, including Dave Porter as Managing Director of the latter.
Mr Wright is highly experienced in the commercial vehicle industry and includes Harris brands Maxus and Sinotruk alongside Higer in his remit. Those on an overarching basis are to ensure that the group’s growth is underpinned by a dealer network that is appropriate in its structure, capability, and partner relationships.
Key to that is furthering the Harris Group reputation “as a responsive, agile and straightforward distributor/partner that combines deep industry knowledge with the ability to anticipate market needs and respond decisively, without creating unnecessary layers of process or bureaucracy for dealers,” it says.
Mr Wright’s over 40 years in the automotive sector began with coach operator Wallace Arnold in Leeds. He then moved to take on responsibility for rental fleets, and then management of dealer accounts with Renault Trucks, alongside oversight of its dealership operation in Leeds.
From there he progressed to Daimler Chrysler in a business management role, subsequently focusing on Mercedes-Benz trucks and their associated network.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Wright says: “This is a fantastic opportunity to take my decades-long experience and quickly implement ideas at ground level, develop our networks, and ultimately improve the experience for our dealer partners and their customers.
“What attracted me to Harris Group is the way the business operates. It is ambitious, knowledgeable and fast-paced, with a real willingness to anticipate and respond quickly to market changes. That is important when working with dealers.
“They want a distributor that understands their business, [and] listens and acts on problems and opportunities. Being straightforward and responsive is fundamental to building successful dealer relations.”
Harris Group Chief Operating Officer Bill Laidlaw adds: “Glen brings exceptional commercial vehicle and dealer network experience to Harris Group. We have significant plans for Maxus, Higer and Sinotruk, and we are moving quickly. But ambition needs to be matched by knowledge, experience and the ability to act.
“We are a distributor that listens, responds, and gets things done – upfront and easy for our dealers. Glen’s experience and understanding of dealer relationships make him the ideal person to help us strengthen our networks and build the partnerships we need to support the growth of our brands.”
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