Northgate appoints ex Avis boss as new CEO

After six years at the wheel, commercial vehicle supplier Northgate's chief executive Bob Contreras will step down in January, with his replacement announced as former Avis boss Kevin Bradshaw.

Bradshaw, who joins from Wyevale Garden Centres, will take over on 11 January, with Contreras remaining in the role until then.

Chairman Andrew Page said: "I am delighted that Kevin Bradshaw has accepted the role of CEO. Kevin's background, ambition and experience are well suited to driving our company forwards and, under his leadership, we expect to see further improvement and progress."

Contreras said: "Leading Northgate has been a huge privilege. The team at Northgate is excellent and together we have navigated the changing markets and I am extremely pleased that I leave Northgate with our new business initiatives already demonstrating traction."

"Northgate is a company with real potential; it has a strong brand, strong market positioning and, I believe, fantastic prospects in the UK, Spain and Ireland. I look forward to working with the Northgate team to deliver further success over the coming years,” said Bradshaw.

The share price rose 5.43% to 458.60p at 1002 GMT on Tuesday.