Rob Whalley joins APD as chief executive

Whalley has also taken a shareholding in the company and joins APD as it embarks on a major expansion programme, extending its reach, not just in the UK and Europe, but also into Asia-Pacific from its offices in Melbourne, Australia.

Commenting on the appointment, APD’s executive chairman, Paul Turner said: “Rob brings huge experience and expertise which will be instrumental in us growing our interests globally.

“This includes widening the use of APD’s Contact.360 award-winning research platforms and our associated consultancy services in the automotive and aviation sectors.”

Whalley added: “I have known Paul Turner and APD for many years. I’ve always been impressed by their creativity and high quality market-leading research programs that have been delivered to the automotive industry.

“It is a privilege to be invited to join as both a board member and equity partner, as it moves into a significant expansion programme,” he added.

This follows the announcement in 2014 that well known fleet industry figure Nigel Stead was joining the APD board as a non-executive director.