JD Classics, has appointed former Lotus Group PLC Chief Executive Jean-Marc Gales as CEO. Gales joins from Lotus Group PLC where he was appointed CEO in 2014, responsible for transforming the business and driving rapid profitability and growth for the iconic brand. Bringing with him more than 30 years’ experience in executive roles within the automotive industry, Gales has led Marketing for Volkswagen and Fiat Groups, worked as Global Sales Director for Mercedes-Benz and stood as President of PSA Peugeot Citroen.
Headquartered in a state-of-the-art 155,000 sq/ft facility in Maldon, Essex, JD Classics employs the finest specialists and engineers worldwide who restore, race and sell classic cars to clients from its network of showrooms in Maldon, Mayfair and Newport Beach, California. The quality of work carried out by JD Classics has been acknowledged as among the best in the world, with multiple award wins at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Cartier Style et Luxe and Salon Privé.
Charme Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in the business in 2016. Since then, JD Classics has added to its talented team appointing a number of senior leaders to expand and grow the business, of which Jean-Marc Gales is the latest.