John Ogden

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.

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)

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