Harris Group shakes up leadership team, adding new showrooms

Leading commercial vehicle distributor, Harris Group, has announced a strategic restructuring of the company, including the appointment of a new senior management team under the leadership of chairperson and CEO, Denise Harris.

The company has also revealed plans to add new customer showrooms at its Naas Road headquarters in Co Dublin, which are said to be at “an advanced stage” and are set to open to the public “over the coming months”.

Building on the legacy of Pino Harris who founded the company in 1961, Ms Harris will be joined by four new executive directors who will help drive the business in its key areas of sales and distribution, after sales, parts and assembly and training, alongside its finance and IT functions.

Brian Patterson has joined the business as group managing director, developing and driving the group’s strategy and ambitious growth targets with responsibility for the business’ profit and loss (P&L).

Mark Barrett has been appointed to the role of managing director of group franchises, with responsibility for the growth and success of the group’s brands, sales, dealer development and marketing in Ireland, the UK and right-hand drive Europe, where Harris has the franchise for the Maxus brand.

John Keogh joins the business as managing director of retail operations, heading up the sales and marketing functions in Ireland and with a focus on technological innovation, which will optimise the modern retailing concept. Keogh will also oversee a number of key divisions including retail sales, service and parts.

Barry McGrane is Harris Group’s newly appointed chief financial officer. A vastly experienced finance professional, McGrane has more than 30 years of experience working with both Irish and international businesses across multiple sectors, including the motor trade, and will be responsible for Harris Group’s finance and IT functions.

The company also confirmed that Nigel Birkmyre has joined the Harris Group board, where he will provide counsel and support to the new management team.

Commenting on the restructuring of the business, Denise Harris said: “Today marks a transformative moment for the Harris Group. Our strategic restructuring creates a platform for growth and innovation as we re-position the business in line with the evolution of the motoring industry.

“Together with the new management team, I have undertaken a full review of our operation to ensure we have the optimal structure, the best people and the most advanced processes to future proof the business and to be a progressive industry leader.

“The company has been operating for more than 60 years and is gearing up for the next 60, and beyond.

“It’s an exciting time for Harris Group as we enter this new phase of growth. And while we are creating an even more dynamic operation, underpinning all of this change is a consistent commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service.

“It was important to me that we retained these founding values of the business, honouring the legacy and pioneering spirit of my late husband, Pino Harris.”

Speaking about the future of the business, Ms Harris added: “We have ambitious targets for double digit growth across all of our brands in both Ireland and the UK and are growing our dealership network while also investing heavily in training.

“The redevelopment of our Dublin headquarters will result in a more open site meaning fleet, commercial and private buyers can visit our new public showrooms at their leisure and meet with our commercial automotive experts.”

Elsewhere, Harris Group has said that plans have been approved for the expansion of its onsite Training Academy, which was launched in 2021 to provide electric vehicle training for technicians both within the group and across its extensive dealership network.

According to the company, the academy has quickly become a premier hub for knowledge exchange and a leading centre of excellence in EV technology education.

“I am personally committed to supporting the next generation of technicians, engineers and industry professionals and firmly believe in the importance and power of continuous education and training,” Ms Harris said.

“Future proofing the business is an ongoing process and the training academy is a central component of our long-term investment strategy.”

With more than 120 independent dealerships across all its brands and territories, Ms Harris also confirmed that her team expects to grow the group’s dealership network by 15 per cent in 2024.

In the past three years, staff numbers have increased by 30 per cent and the company plans to optimise its already comprehensive sales and after-sales services and enhance the customer experience through additional on-the-ground support.

A recruitment drive is underway for 2024 in line with Harris Group’s long-term growth strategy.