LSH Auto has announced the appointment of Chris Gensmantel as Chief Information Officer.
Chris joins the business with more than 23 years’ experience in the UK retail motor industry, with JCT600 and the Gilder Group.
Most recently Chris was Group Information Technology Manager at JCT600 where he helmed the IT strategy, and improvements to operations, whilst driving growth centric IT standards and practices. Previously, he was Group IT Manager for Gilder Group, before the Sheffield-based firm was acquired by JCT600 in 2013.
In his new role Chris will be responsible for developing the IT strategy at LSH Auto, which has Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the North West and the Midlands. In 2019, the business also launched a full digital platform to enable customers to browse online, book a test drive from their home, buy online and choose either click and collect or home delivery.
Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “LSH Auto and Mercedes-Benz have always been at the forefront of the industry in their ambitions and forward-thinking approach to technology. I’m a big believer that IT excellence can make a positive impact on the organisational goals of a business, so I plan to invest time with my new colleagues to find ways to support them.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to drive innovation through information security, applications, networking and operations to support the continued growth of the business. It’s also exciting to come to work in such an outstanding environment. The facilities at Mercedes-Benz of Stockport are absolutely world class, with a different level of attention to detail.”
Outside of work, Chris is a regular charity fundraiser, having completed the London Marathon and London to Brighton Bike Ride, along with a number of other activities, to raise funds for disadvantaged youngsters in Uganda. His fundraising efforts over the past eight years have sponsored two young people, enabling them to study.
Chris will report directly to Martyn Webb, Managing Director of LSH Auto, who commented: “I am delighted to welcome Chris to the LSH Auto team. As a key member of the Board of Directors, he will work with both the international and UK team to strengthen and grow our performance. His grounding in the motor industry and understanding of cutting-edge technology will be an important asset for our mission to deliver continuous improvement.”
