Kildare man gets top job with major commercial vehicle retailer and distributor

Harris Group, Ireland’s leading automotive retailer and distributor, has announced the appointment of Mark Barrett as Managing Director of Group Franchises.

 This move is part of a significant company-wide restructuring as Harris Group enters a new era of growth and innovation.

In his expanded role, Mark will be central to the strategic development of all brands under the Harris Group umbrella, this includes growing MAXUS across right-hand drive Europe, expanding Isuzu in Ireland, and bringing the Higer brand (bus & coach) to the UK market. He will also be responsible for sales and marketing functions for all brands and the development of the group’s franchise dealership networks.

With a career spanning almost 30 years within the automotive industry, Mark Barrett brings a wealth of experience to his new role having worked with some of the leading brands in the world across fleet rental / leasing, commercial, HGV and LGV sectors.

The Kilcock man played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the MAXUS commercial vehicle range in the UK and Ireland. Under his leadership, the brand has introduced several all-new platform vehicles to the market, including the launch of the first all-electric luxury MPV and pick-up truck across right-hand drive Europe.

Denise Harris, CEO and Chairperson of Harris Group, said of the appointment: "Mark's extensive experience and exceptional leadership have been instrumental in the success of Harris Group, particularly in the relaunch of our MAXUS range and the introduction of cutting-edge electric vehicles. With a new era of growth underway, his strategic insights will help drive our brands to new heights, fortifying it for the next 60 years and beyond."

Mark’s new role is one of a number of C-suite promotions and appointments announced as part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. This includes the appointment of Brian Patterson as Group Managing Director, Barry McGrane as Chief Financial Officer and John Keogh as Managing Director of Retail Operations.

The appointments, together with the restructuring of the business across every division strengthens the company’s reputation as a leader in the future of motoring both in Ireland and the UK.

Harris Group was founded by the late Pino Harris, in 1961. Now under the leadership of his wife, Mrs Denise Harris the company is set for huge growth in 2024 across all departments, including sales and distribution, after sales, parts and assembly, and training.

Located on the Naas Rd. in Dublin, Harris Group is Ireland’s largest retail sales centre for the commercial vehicle sector with marque brands including Isuzu, MAXUS and Higer Bus & Coach. With a substantial parts stockholding the business is also the largest parts distribution centre in the country.

The UK is the largest market for the group’s MAXUS brand where Harris has a significant presence including a substantial, modern UK headquarters in Liverpool, housing a parts depot and warehouse together with Harris MAXUS’ proprietary technical training academy.