New CEO for Giltrap Group

Giltrap Group has announced the appointment of Steve Kenchington as its new chief executive officer, starting from February 1 next year.

He describes the role, which will see him in charge of the group’s retail, distribution and rental divisions, as an extraordinary opportunity: 

“The automotive industry has experienced more change in the past five years than in the previous 20 years,” says Kenchington, pictured.

“It is an incredibly exciting and challenging time, but Giltrap Group has the best automotive brands and the best people, and I cannot wait to lead our 1,000-strong team.”

He first joined Giltrap Group in 2010 as general manager of Scandinavian Motor Distributors (Volvo and Renault). In 2015, he shifted to the same post at Motorcorp Distributors (Jaguar Land Rover), before becoming its chief executive officer six years later.

Kenchington has spent 27 years in the automotive industry, having previously held executive positions in the automotive finance industry in New Zealand and the UK. 

He was also managing director of Sime Darby Automobiles NZ from 2001 to 2007.

Chris Quin, Giltrap Group chairman, notes Kenchington has a proven ability to lead high-performance teams and knows the business inside and out. 

“The board is confident that the company will continue to thrive under his leadership. His promotion to CEO is not just a new role – it reflects his capability to take Giltrap Group to the next level.”

The company was founded in 1966 by Sir Colin Giltrap and remains a family-owned business, with brothers Richard and Michael Giltrap as executive directors.

Richard Giltrap says: “As group CEO, Steve will be able to concentrate on the day-to-day success of the business, which will allow Michael and I to focus on major investments, partnerships and future growth opportunities for our business.”

Kenchington will continue as chief executive officer of Motorcorp Distributors until he starts his new role.