Our Board

Chief Executive Officer

Bill joined the company on 18 April 2019 as a Non-Executive Director, and became Chief Executive Officer on 19 February 2020. Formerly the President and Chief Operating Officer of AutoNation, the largest automotive retailer in America, Bill has executive experience in the effective deployment of automotive technology management systems, enabling him to provide effective leadership of Pinewood’s Board and advise in relation to the Company’s future strategy.

Chief Financial Officer

Ollie joined the company in December 2005. He previously worked at Deloitte, where he qualified as a chartered accountant. He has held a number of senior finance roles across the then wider organisation including Group Financial Controller and Director of Group Finance. Ollie had a key role in the disposal of the UK Motor and Leasing divisions of the Company to Lithia Motors, Inc. Ollie’s accounting, financial and investor relations experience adds significant value to the Board.

Non-Executive Chairman (N*) (R**)

Ian joined the company on 01 November 2021 as non-executive chairman, following a 40 year career in retail, a large proportion of which was spent with Alliance Boots. In his last executive role, Ian was the chief executive officer of furniture retailer DFS, which significantly increased its market leadership in both online and in physical stores during his tenure; Ian’s extensive executive experience enables him to provide effective leadership of Pinewood’s Board and advise in relation to the company’s future strategy.

Non-Executive Director (A*) (N) (R) (F)

Brian joined the company on 10 December 2019, following an extensive executive career in the retail sector, where most recently he held the position of Chief Finance Officer at JD Sports Fashion Plc between 2004 and 2018. Brian is also a non-executive director and chairman of the Audit Committee at online retailer, Boohoo.com, and a non-executive director and chairman of the Audit Committee of Mothercare Plc. Brian qualified as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse in 1981, and with industry experience across a range of retailers, he brings additional financial and strategic perspectives to the Board.

Non-Executive Director (A) (N) (R)

Nikki joined the company on 01 April 2020 and has over 25 years in-depth retail experience, from physical to online, leading on growth and transformation strategies across multiple goods and services categories, including digital services, energy and telco products. She is currently the Managing Director of the Customer division (UK and Ireland) at SSE plc.

Her previous roles include that of Chief Operating Officer at Drax plc, Managing Director for Digital at Telefonica Plc and other senior leadership roles within Centrica Plc, Marks and Spencer plc and WH Smith plc. Nikki is widely recognised as a leading advocate for Diversity & Inclusion and in conjunction with her career experience brings deep commercial, customer and people leadership experience with valuable insights.

Non-Executive Director (SID) (A) (N) (R)

Dietmar joined the company on 20 April 2020, following an extensive executive career including experience in the automotive sector, banking and sports management. Dietmar currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of AMB Sports & Entertainment. Prior to that, he held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA and Head of Region, NAFTA Mercedes-Benz. His previous automotive sector specific executive experience, enables Dietmar to contribute the industry perspective in relation to the deployment of dealer management systems and is of significant value to the Board. Dietmar was appointed SID on 24 February 2021.

Non-Executive Director (A) (N) (R)

Jemima joined the company on 10 July 2023. Jemima is the founder of Hello Finch Limited, a strategic brand and marketing consultancy alongside being a Non-Executive Director and chair of the Remuneration Committee for both Headlam Group PLC and Revolution Bars PLC, where she is also the Senior Independent Director. Jemima beings three decades of retail experience across multiple consumer sectors including food, fashion and leisure.

Director

Christopher joined the Pinewood board on 1 February 2024 and currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Lithia & Driveway (LAD). Since joining LAD in 2003, the organisation has experienced tremendous growth under his leadership, reaching #145 on the Fortune 500, becoming the number one new car automotive retailer in the US, and expanding operations across the US and internationally with stores in Canada and the United Kingdom. He brings a growth mindset to his role, with strategic plans to expand the LAD network with a new diverse set of mobility verticals.

Over the past two decades, Christopher’s executive leadership at LAD includes Chief Financial Officer, where he influenced LAD’s retail operations and financial soundness early in his tenure, as well as serving as Chief People Officer. Christopher grew up on Kodiak Island in Alaska then moved to Anchorage where he attended the University of Alaska. He was also a licensed CPA and a former auditor with KPMG where he specialized in automotive manufacturing, financial services and other retail sectors.

Director

George joined the company on 1 February 2024, and he brings 30 years of technology product development and digital transformation leadership in retail, eCommerce, hospitality and live event marketing to our Board. George currently serves as the Chief Innovation & Technology Officer for Lithia & Driveway. In his role, he drives technology strategy and execution as well as digital innovation in support of Lithia’s 500+ automotive retail stores, an automotive finance company and he led the visioning, development and launch of Lithia’s eCommerce channel Driveway. This experience enables George to contribute significant value to Pinewood from the perspective of a customer of auto retail technology platforms. Additionally, George brings significant international business experience to our Board having lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Spain.