Harris MAXUS UK has promoted Gary Brown to Commercial Operations Director, handing him responsibility across MAXUS operations in the UK, including sales, aftersales and related business activities – with a particular focus on sales as the company pushes towards an ambitious target before year end.
The move marks the next stage in the development of the MAXUS marque as it increases its presence in the UK light commercial vehicle market.
Brown, who joined Harris MAXUS UK as Sales Director earlier this year, has quickly established himself as a key member of the senior management team. His appointment follows a period of leadership strengthening across Harris Group, notably the appointment of Bill Laidlaw as Chief Operating Officer, representing a natural progression as Harris MAXUS UK enters an important new phase of growth.
With more than 30 years’ experience in commercial vehicle sales and senior management, Brown has built a strong track record of transforming businesses, developing dealer networks and delivering sustainable growth across both retail and fleet operations.
His career includes senior positions with Renault Trucks, Volvo Truck & Bus and Mercedes-Benz, together with extensive experience at dealer level. Most recently, he spent eight years as General Manager of Mercedes commercial operations in Oman, where he oversaw a multi-site operation and delivered significant improvements in sales, service and profitability.
Now, as Commercial Operations Director, Brown will lead the business as it seeks to build on its growing market presence, strengthen its dealer network and maximise the competitive agility that comes from being part of the Harris Group.
“MAXUS has reached a really important point in its development,” said Brown. “We have an increasingly compelling product range, a growing dealer network and a manufacturer that is prepared to move quickly to meet the needs of the market. What makes this opportunity particularly exciting is the combination of those products with the scale, experience and entrepreneurial style of the Harris Group. We can make decisions quickly,” he said, “support our dealers properly and respond to opportunities while others are still working through layers of complexity.”
The appointment comes as Harris Group continues to pursue an ambitious long-term growth strategy, with an objective of reaching €1 billion in revenue by 2030. Harris MAXUS UK is expected to play a fundamental role in that expansion as the Group continues to invest in its commercial vehicle operations, dealer network and services
Brian Patterson, Chief Executive Officer at Harris Group, said, “Gary has made a substantial impact since joining Harris MAXUS UK, demonstrating a combination of commercial understanding, leadership and energy that we need for the next stage of our development. He understands what makes a dealer successful, he understands the demands of fleet customers and, importantly, he understands how to turn opportunity into sustainable and profitable growth.”
