Strategic Leadership Appointments Propel Harris Group’s Restructuring Efforts

Harris Group has embarked on an ambitious restructuring program. The company announced a series of strategic executive appointments, heralding a transformative era aimed at driving long-term growth and enhancing customer engagement across its vast network. Spearheaded by Chairperson and CEO Denise Harris, these changes mark a significant milestone in the company's history, setting the stage for sustained success in the competitive automotive landscape
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Alice Weil

Features Editor at The Executive Magazine

In a significant move poised to bolster its long-term growth and market position, Harris Group, a prominent name in the automotive distribution and retail sector, has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring strategy accompanied by key executive appointments. The announcement was made by Denise Harris, Chairperson and CEO of Harris Group, marking a new era of accelerated growth for the company.

Brian Patterson has been appointed as Group Managing Director. With a robust two-decade track record in the motor industry, Patterson is tasked with steering the strategic direction and operational execution of the company. His focus will centre on enhancing customer service excellence in sales and aftersales, while managing the company’s profitability and loss accounts.

In a strategic expansion of responsibilities, Mark Barrett has been elevated to Managing Director of Group Franchises. Barrett will oversee the growth of Harris Group’s distributed brands such as MAXUS in right-hand drive European markets, Isuzu in Ireland, and the introduction of the Higer bus and coach brand in the UK. His role is critical in spearheading sales and marketing efforts and developing franchise dealership networks.

John Keogh steps into the role of Managing Director of Retail Operations, leading the digital transformation initiatives within the company. Keogh’s leadership is expected to position Harris Group as a digitally-led powerhouse in retail operations across vans, buses, coaches, and parts OEM and aftermarket segments.

Barry McGrane has been named Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 30 years of experience in finance within both Irish and international contexts. McGrane will oversee the financial and IT operations, ensuring robust financial health and technological advancement within the company.

Founded in 1961 by the late Pino Harris and now under the visionary leadership of Denise Harris, Harris Group has committed to a strategic overhaul aimed at future-proofing the business and cementing its leadership in the automotive industry across the UK and Ireland.

“Brian, Mark, John, and Barry bring a wealth of expertise that will be pivotal in propelling Harris Group into a new era of growth and innovation across all our brands,” remarked Denise Harris. She emphasised that this leadership team is well-positioned to drive excellence in sales, aftersales, parts, and distribution, ensuring the company’s prominence in the automotive sector for the next six decades and beyond.

Harris Group’s headquarters remain in Dublin, Ireland, with a significant operational footprint in the UK, including a modern campus in Liverpool. This facility serves as a strategic hub for the company’s operations, housing offices, a parts depot, warehouse, and the Harris MAXUS technical training academy. The UK operations boast a national network of approximately 60 MAXUS dealerships and aftersales centres, reinforcing Harris Group’s strong market presence.

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