Andy Fern becomes MD of Stapleton’s

European Tyre Enterprise Limited (ETEL) has appointed Andy Fern as managing director of its Stapleton’s Tyre Services tyre wholesale business.

Fern, who is currently group fleet sales director, replaces Wataru Goroku (‘Go’), who is taking on a new role with ETEL’s parent company Itochu. Go will provide continuity by taking the role of chairman of Stapleton’s during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

Andy Fern joined ETEL three years ago, having previously spent nearly two decades with Michelin in a range of roles, including in the motorsport division, account management and fleet sales. Since joining the company, he has led the fleet team in strengthening relationships with industry partners and fleet customers, resulting in some notable contract wins.

Fern will be replaced from within the organisation, a result of strategic succession planning. Dan Joyce, previously UK service, maintenance and repair business manager, becomes fleet director. Joyce has spent around 18 years with the company, having started as an apprentice and progressing through operations before moving to the fleet division in 2015.

ETEL CEO Sean Tanaka said: “Andy’s leadership qualities and industry knowledge have been instrumental in the recent success of our fleet operations. He has been able to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships with customers and suppliers alike and I am sure he will be able to bring these qualities, and more, to the STS team.

“It is a testament to the strength of management we have within the business that we are able to effect a smooth transition, and I’m delighted that Go will retain his connection with ETEL by taking on the role of chairman of STS. The work he has done has been key in strengthening the company’s position for the next phase of our growth.

“Lastly, but by no means least, it is fantastic news that Dan Joyce will become fleet director. Having such depth of talent within the business is no accident and highlights the career opportunities that we can provide as market leader.”

Andy Fern said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to lead the STS team. With over 20 years in the tyre industry, I’ve seen from the outside the innovation and leadership which STS has brought to the sector, and I’m delighted that I will now have a role in taking the company forward.”

Dan Joyce has been working alongside Fern on key developments within the fleet division as part of the company’s planned approach to succession. He said: “I’ve been passionate about the sector and this company since my very first day as an apprentice, and I think my experience throughout the organisation has stood me in good stead. It has given me a real appreciation of what customers need from us, and I am keen to ensure we do whatever we can to exceed our clients’ expectations every single day.”

Fern, Joyce and Go will all take on their new roles from 1 April 2020.