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The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation

Shaftec business drives positive changes within commercial team

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2021

As part of its 2021 strategic business plan, Shaftec has announced some major changes to its commercial team structure, to better equip the business as it enters the next stage of its development.

Marc Wise has been promoted to the position of Sales Manager. In this role he will oversee and manage the UK territories as well as the growth and expansion of the European business. Darren Byng is now Key Account Manager UK & Ireland and Joe Toakley as well as assuming the role of Area Manager for the South, will also be responsible for the company’s marketing, PR and advertising. Both will report to Marc.

Marc Wise, who has a background in purchasing and hails from Kent near Brands Hatch, will celebrate six years with Shaftec in 2021. During this time his remit has grown from area to export manager and in his new role, will oversee both UK and export sales.

“Over the past two years export growth has doubled, with the brand proving especially popular across Europe,” Marc explains. “Currently exporting into more than 15 different countries, the plan is to expand this growth further and support this development with the appointment of an EU based Export Manager in the near future.”
“The aim of the new commercial team is to champion all the unique qualities that come with the Shaftec brand, evolving in line with the ever changing vehicle car parc especially in the key area of electric steering, to ensure we are the first choice with both the garage and the motor factor,” he says.

In his new role as Key Account Manager UK & Ireland, Darren Byng will head up the business relationships with some of Shaftec’s largest customers. With 25 years industry experience and vehicle knowledge, Darren had roles which included a ten year stint as a vehicle technician working across both the independent sector and franchised dealer network before joining the Shaftec team in 2014.

With his whole career spent in the automotive aftermarket, Joe Toakley has a wealth of industry experience. Having cut his teeth at a well-known UK Motor Factor, he has covered all roles from delivery driver to full branch management.

Having been a valuable member of the Shaftec team for four years, in addition to his new role as Area Manager for the South, Joe is now responsible for the company’s marketing, PR and advertising. Focusing on the company vision, he plans to take a fresh approach to brand marketing with a new look and feel for all marketing material and literature, and by incorporating direct customer sales analysis plans to further extend the Shaftec reach.

“I’d like to congratulate Marc, Darren and Joe,” said Shaftec Director, Tom Curtis. “Despite one of the hardest years on record for the industry, Shaftec has seen consistent growth and we look forward to a bright future for the business. I’m certain that this team - with their personalities, company & industry knowledge are the right people to take Shaftec forward as we enter an exciting new chapter.”

[Image: (L-R) Marc Wise, Darren Byng, Joe Toakley]