The Huws Gray Group has announced that after 14 years with the business, Ian Northen, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer will step down from the Board of Directors, to be replaced by Daksh Gupta.

Terry Owen, Founder and Chairman, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Daksh as our new Chief Executive, after an extensive search process. Daksh is a dynamic, values-driven business leader who has a diverse background of experiences and an outstanding track record.

“The Board looks forward to Daksh realising the full potential of Huws Gray as a winning business which delivers long-term growth and value for all its stakeholders.

“I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Board to thank Ian for the significant role he has played in the Huws Gray story, the Board wishes him the very best for the future.”

Gupta said: “I am honoured to be appointed to lead Huws Gray. It’s a business with an impressive footprint, an excellent track record, a strong culture, talented team and in Blackstone, we have one of the most respected global financial backers.

“I look forward to meeting my new colleagues across the Group and working with the Huws Gray team to fulfil the potential of the Group for the benefit of all our key stakeholders.”

Daksh Gupta will be appointed Huws Gray CEO Designate on 2 January 2024 and will be appointed CEO on 1 February 2024. Ian Northen will step down from the Board on 1 February.

Gupta, 53, is an experienced business leader with extensive knowledge across multiple sectors and disciplines. He joins the Huws Gray Group from Marshall Motor Holdings plc (“MMH”) where he was Group CEO for 15 years.

During his tenure, Gupta transformed MMH from being a small privately owned group, operating in East Anglia with revenues of c£300 million to a publicly listed, national player with revenues approaching £4 billion. The business saw many achievements, including being ranked 11th best employer in the UK by Great Place to Work, and one of the best UK workplaces for eight years running.