After six years as Chief Executive Officer of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd. (MTBUK), Des Evans is moving to a new strategic role in MAN’s Northern European Region. The change, which takes effect from 1st February 2010, sees Evans take over responsibility for the Business Development of new and used truck sales in UK, Ireland and Scandinavia.

“Within his new capacity Des will continue to be responsible for the strategic development of new and used trucks sales packages, in addition to sales planning and logistics, sales engineering, product marketing and CRM” says Geoff du Plessis, MAN’s Head of Region - Northern Europe. “The Military Sales team reporting line will also remain within his existing remit”.

He continued, “During the last six years, Des has successfully overseen the integration of the ERF business unit into the MTBUK organisation, streamlined the Dealer Network and restructured the sales and after sales operations.
“In addition he has been responsible for the development of the TopUsed business and the introduction of innovative Fleet Management systems”.

Evans will also undertake a part time research study at Cranfield University, one of the aims of which will be to develop a more sustainable, service-led business model that can be of benefit to transport operators and dealer networks everywhere. He commented, "In 17 hugely enjoyable years with MTBUK, I think we have achieved many positive things for the business, its customers and staff; and I was delighted to be involved in recent years as CEO. However, the strategic operational changes now taking place in MAN have presented me with a great opportunity to move on to another, even bigger challenge.

“Importantly for me, I continue my involvement with the MAN business in combination with a very exciting research study. I believe passionately that there is a real need for a more sustainable business model for both the operator and supply side of the industry: my years with MTBUK and this new international role will enable me to use the knowledge and experience gained to develop new strategies and customer support packages that will improve the operational profitability of this industry’s key stakeholders."

During his time as CEO MTBUK, Evans secured the largest contract in the company’s history with an order for 7,200 military vehicles from the MOD, as well as successfully introducing its new Euro 4 and 5 powered range of trucks. As a result, the company has been able to consolidate its market share as a leading supplier of trucks to the UK market.

With over 4,500 units > 6 tonne sold into the UK market, including 1,500 MOD vehicles, 2009 saw MTBUK secure its place as the second largest supplier of trucks in the UK.

The background to the management moves has been MAN Nutzfahrzeuge’s growing internationalisation strategy, which has seen the introduction of a new regional operating structure. MTBUK and its the three UK Centres, together with MAN truck and bus operations in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland and Iceland and the over-arching International Key Accounts department, all now report to Geoff du Plessis as Head of Region – Northern Europe.

No details concerning Evans’ replacement has been made at this time.