Hendy Automotive has made a series of senior board appointments as it prepares for further expansion, including the appointment of former Marshall Motor Holdings boss Daksh Gupta as non-executive chairman.
Gupta succeeds Simon Gulliford and is joined on the board by new non-executive directors Michael Buxton, formerly president of Cox Automotive, and Nigel Farrell, partner at Farrells Legal Services. All three will work alongside chief executive Paul Hendy and chief finance officer Jonathan Moritz.
In addition, Duncan McPhee has been appointed as a director following his arrival as chief operating officer last October.
Paul Hendy (pictured), chief executive of Hendy Automotive, said: “These appointments seriously strengthen the Main Board and build on a fantastic platform. The motor retail sector is at a point of inflection, and we are taking important steps to ensure the Group remains agile and ready to maximise new opportunities that present themselves.”
Gupta brings decades of experience in automotive retail, having led Marshall Motor Holdings plc through a period of rapid growth between 2008 and 2023. During his 15-year tenure, he oversaw 84 transactions involving 224 businesses, scaled revenues from around £300m to £4bn, and led the group’s IPO in 2015. Marshall was also named one of the UK’s best workplaces for eight consecutive years under his leadership.
He is currently group chief executive officer of Huws Gray, one of the UK’s largest construction service groups, and holds roles including vice president of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and vice president of industry charity Ben. He has previously served as board advisor to Ford of Europe GmbH and held senior positions at Ridgeway and Inchcape.
Commenting on his appointment, Gupta said: “I have known several of the Hendy family and shareholders for many years, and I am honoured to be asked to take the role of non-executive Chairman. The Group is 166 years old in 2025 and I have long admired its culture and growth story. I have been working with the Hendy team for the last eight months, and that gives me great confidence about the long-term prospects of the Group. I look forward to working with Paul, the Board and wider executive team over the coming years to help unlock the significant opportunities that exist for the Group.”
Hendy Automotive is ranked among the UK’s top 20 dealer groups by turnover, exceeding £1bn in 2024. Operating for over 165 years in the south of England, the business currently represents 22 automotive brands across multiple sites along the south coast.
