LEE O’Connell, the former sales director at Agility Fleet – a funder to the broker network – has left the leasing company to head up the sales function at the brand new mobility platform SOGO.
O’Connell has been appointed sales director of SOGO, which is offering flexible business subscriptions, to expand the operation’s sales performance.
SOGO is headed by former Citroen MD Karl Howkins; the pair renew their professional acquaintance when both Howkins and O’Connell worked in Vauxhall fleet sales.
In addition to O’Connell, Mike Pearce also joins the business as director of operations. Pearce (left) and O’Connell are pictured above.
Pearce was previously head of brand at BCA market place and commercial director at Autologic; his brief is to build a team that is focused on providing a seamless customer experience and driving operational efficiencies.
The response from industry to our ultra-flexible leasing model is very positive, and we are building a fleet that will meet the myriad requirements of businesses across the UK. Mike and Lee bring a huge amount of experience and enthusiasm to the team and a focus on building a business that offers something truly new and exciting to the market.
Karl Howkins, managing director, SOGO
SOGO plans to build a fleet of 5000 vehicles within its first year based on ultra-flexible service with leases available from one month to four years. The subscription model includes comprehensive insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover.
The company says it will operate nationally with a network of logistics hubs and plans a consumer launch following roll-out of the business mobility programme.
SOGO is backed by dealer group Cambria Automobiles plc.
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
