UK leasing firm Pendragon Vehicle Management (PVM) has appointed a new group vice president, following its acquisition by Lithia UK earlier this year.

Phil Wilbraham has been appointed GVP for PVM and National Fleet Solutions

Phil Wilbraham is now GVP for PVM and National Fleet Solutions, and will lead a team of more than 50 employees.

He most recently served as group finance director for the former Jardine Motors Group business, where he was responsible for Financial Control and Reporting, FP&A, Finance Transformation and Tax. Wilbraham was the UK finance lead for mergers and acquisitions when the business was acquired by US dealer group Lithia & Driveway in 2023, prior to its acquisition of PVM.

Wilbraham, who originally trained as a chartered accountant, also brings four years’ experience from LeasePlan, where he worked as both head of FP&A and latterly head of finance.

Wilbraham said: “I’m honoured to join Pendragon Vehicle Management as group vice president. I’m looking forward to the opportunities that this new role will bring, as I look to build on the great foundations already in place at PVM.”

Commercial and private leasing company Pendragon Vehicle Management was formerly part of Pendragon Plc and was acquired by Lithia & Driveway in February this year as the US firm strengthens its presence in the UK and invests in the evolving automotive industry.

PVM runs a fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles – and Wilbraham has said he will prioritise a collaborative working approach with the firm’s partners.

“I am passionate about providing simple and convenient vehicle management solutions, to offer exceptional customer experiences with the customer at the heart of everything we do,” he added.

Neil Williamson, regional president of Lithia UK, commented: “Phil Wilbraham has both the experience and fresh, positive outlook to bring to PVM – he is the ideal person to lead the business to its next stages of growth. I’m looking forward to working with Phil closely as we look to further establish our leasing operations across the UK.”