Vertu Motors plc chief executive Robert Forrester has been named as business leader of the year at the prestigious Automotive Management (AM) Awards.
Hosted by Automotive Management Magazine, the 2023 AM Awards celebrate the best performers within the motor retail industry, following a judging process conducted by a panel of sector specialists. Mr Forrester was singled out for his outstanding leadership, growing the company to become the third largest automotive retailer in the UK, currently employing over 7,000 people.
The Vertu Motors group was also recognised for supporting colleagues to have a good work-life balance and in driving standards of customer service. The business leader and a small number of colleagues, including COO David Crane and CFO Karen Anderson, founded Gateshead-headquartered Vertu Motors in late 2006, through a cash shell float in AIM. Mr Forrester has established himself as a media commentator on all things automotive and in 2021 appeared in the ITV series Undercover Boss.
