Eddie Hawthorne to step down as Arnold Clark chief executive
After 27 years at the helm of top 10 AM100 group Arnold Clark, Eddie Hawthorne is to step down as chief executive and group managing director on 28 March.
Russell Borrie, the company’s current chief operating officer, has been appointed as his successor.
“It’s been a privilege to lead Arnold Clark for such a long period of time,” Hawthorne said.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and of our employees, who have shown resilience and dedication through some challenging years. I have full confidence in the leadership team to continue steering the business in the right direction.”
Borrie, who will officially take over as chief executive, expressed his gratitude for Hawthorne’s leadership and the trust placed in him by the board.
“Eddie’s vision, insight, and dedication have been instrumental in our success,” Borrie said. Even in difficult times his ability to turn obstacles into opportunities strengthened the business. I’m honoured to take on this role and lead Arnold Clark into the future.”
Borrie will be supported by John Clark, chief commercial officer, and David Cooper, chief financial officer, as the company moves forward under its new leadership structure.
While stepping away from his executive role, Hawthorne will remain on the main board in a mentoring and oversight capacity.
His leadership has been pivotal in shaping Arnold Clark into one of the UK’s largest and most successful automotive retailers.
In 2017, following the death of Sir Arnold Clark, Hawthorne told Automotive Management about how he came to join the motor retail industry and how he experienced Sir Arnold’s willingness to strike a quick deal early on.
“I remember the first time we met. Hawthorne told Automotive Management in 2017 about how he got into the motor retail industry and his experience of Sir Arnold’s willingness to strike a quick deal early on. He said, “I’ll be back next year” on the day I left. I replied ‘no, you won’t. I want to leave the profession and go into industry.’ “Come work for me” he said. I started working for Arnold Clark after 20 minutes. “
With over 12,000 employees Arnold Clark is the UK’s largest motor group. Arnold Clark, under Hawthorne’s leadership has cemented its position as one of the UK’s largest automotive retailers. A consistent force in the AM100 rankings, the company secured the second spot in the latest rankings, boasting an impressive PS366.1 million in earnings and a turnover of PS4.92 billion, meriting the status as the UK’s most profitable car dealer group.
A relentless pursuit of growth has defined Hawthorne’s tenure with strategic acquisitions pivotal to the dealership group’s success.
December 2024 saw several ambitious deals. Arnold Clark acquired dealerships in Birkenhead and Liverpool in December 2024 to expand its Renault and Dacia presence in the UK. It also acquired Wingrove Motor Company in the North East, a family run business with a 99 year legacy. In the same month, the company announced an exclusive partnership, introducing right hand drive models specifically tailored for the UK.
