John Ogden
HEAD OF BUSINESS
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About
Highly accomplished automotive executive with 30+ years' experience leading large-scale franchised dealership operations.
Proven
Head of Business / Dealer Principal with a long-standing record of profit growth, finance optimisation, regulatory excellence, and leadership development within PLC environments. Combines strong commercial discipline with a visible, hands-on leadership style that drives performance, accountability, and customer outcomes. Trusted to lead through change, stabilise underperforming sites, and build sustainable management capability.
Experience
Sales Executive - Evans Halshaw Ford - Ashton-under-Lyne
(2025-10)
Note: Role undertaken to remain operationally current and hands-on within a modern retail environment.
- Deliver consistent new and used vehicle performance within a high-volume Ford operation
- Manage the full customer journey from enquiry to handover, ensuring FCA compliance and high CSI
- Maximise finance, insurance, and add-on penetration while maintaining customer trust
- Maintain strong product, process, and compliance standards in a retail-focused role
Used Car Sales Manager - Group 1 Volkswagen - Stockport
(2025-02 - 2025-07)
- Led used vehicle sales performance, stock mix, pricing strategy, and margin control
- Improved digital lead generation through enhanced online merchandising and marketing activity
- Delivered accurate appraisals aligned to live market data and group policy
- Embedded a compliant, customer-centric sales process improving conversion and CSI
Head of Business / Dealer Principal - Pendragon Group (Lithia UK)
(2001-04 - 2024-10)
- Held full P&L accountability for large, multi-department franchised dealership operations
- Progressed through Sales Leader, General Sales Manager, and Dealer Principal roles
- Delivered sustained profitability through disciplined cost control, margin management, and volume strategy
- Increased finance volumes and income through structured F&I governance and capability building
- Built, coached, and retained high-performing senior management teams, creating strong succession pipelines
- Maintained exemplary FCA, FSA, and GISC compliance, consistently audit-ready
- Successfully led through market cycles, manufacturer change, and evolving regulatory frameworks
Business Manager - Smith Knight Fay Toyota
(1998-11 - 2001-03)
- Drove profitability through strong finance, insurance, and warranty penetration
- Structured complex funding solutions including PCP, HP, and fleet
- Acted as commercial mentor to sales teams, improving deal quality and conversion
Business Manager - Ian Skelly - Manchester
(1995-11 - 1998-11)
Promoted internally from Sales Executive
- Managed vehicle valuations, deal structure, and day-to-day sales supervision
Overseas Representative - First Choice Holidays
(1993-04 - 1995-10)
- Delivered customer service, excursions, and sales presentations overseas
- Managed supplier relationships and local financial administration
Motor Technician / Reception Engineer - Drabble and Allen – Jaguar Main Dealer
(1986-11 - 1992-11)
Progressed from apprentice to fully qualified Motor Technician
- Delivered customer-facing technical support and service advice
Apprentice Mechanic - Hills Garages Ltd – Vauxhall Dealer
(1985-08 - 1986-09)
Education
City & Guilds Motor Vehicle Craft Studies - Motor Vehicle Craft Studies - Central Manchester College
IMI Management Studies - Management Studies
Six Technical & Customer Care Diplomas - Technical & Customer Care - Jaguar Cars
Advanced Business Manager Programme - Business Management - Toyota Financial Services
Professional Development - Sales Management, Operations, Employment Law, Business Development - Ford College, Daventry
Leadership Development & FCA Accreditation - Leadership & FCA - Loxley House, Nottingham
