A former retired salesman has returned to the industry he loves after joining a Birmingham company to help strengthen its services with local businesses.
Paul Myles (63) has been appointed as a new business development manager at Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham, bringing with him more than 37 years of industry experience.
Having lived and worked in Birmingham all his life, Paul has become a familiar face with businesses across the city and will play a crucial part in the van centre’s fleet management experience.
Paul began his career as apprentice and spent 11 years as a motor mechanic, but always wanted to progress to sales.
After 10 years in the brewery trade, which Paul feels improved his people skills, he returned to the automotive sector. Before taking early retirement Paul dedicated 26 years to sales, working with Birmingham fleet customers by developing relationships and understanding their operational needs.
Paul said: “I was too young to not work and love what I do so I was delighted to get the job with the Volkswagen team.
“This is the first time I have worked with Volkswagen and I relished the new challenge but I must admit I have always admired the brand and now I’m a complete advocate. The quality, build and reliability of the vans is second to none.
“I have always worked in the fleet sector so consider myself well-versed in all aspects of corporate purchasing and leasing and have a good understanding of local businesses.
Paul joins Scott Baker (29), from Wolverhampton, who has been recruited as an additional business development manager. Scott brings a further five years of automotive expertise to the Birmingham fleet team and will be based at the St Stephens Street showroom.
The pair will offer fleet operators a single point of contact for everything they need – from initial enquiry through to purchasing and maintaining a fleet of commercial vehicles.
Head of Business at Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham, Stuart Smith, said: “We continually look at ways in which we can enhance our service and understand the importance of building and growing partnerships with our fleet customers, so we are delighted to welcome our new fleet team members.
“Paul’s proven track record and strong understanding of fleet operations will be a real asset to the business. Scott’s additional expertise and being office based ensures that customers will always have a fleet expert on hand to answer their questions and concerns.”
For further information on Volkswagen fleet partnership, call Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham on 0121 546 0068.