Harris MAXUS UK managing director Steve Hunt has retired, with Bill Laidlaw appointed to oversee the business as part of Harris Group’s £850 million growth plans.
Laidlaw will take overall responsibility for Harris MAXUS UK, Harris Truck & Bus UK and future additions to the group’s UK brand portfolio, including its planned move into the heavy truck market.
Hunt was promoted into the MD position eight months ago and he himself was appointed MD after Andrew Lawson left after five months in the role.
The appointment comes as Harris Group pursues a growth strategy aimed at increasing annual revenues to €1 billion (£850m) by 2030.
Harris Group, which describes itself as the UK and Ireland’s largest independent commercial vehicle importer and distributor, said Laidlaw will play a central role in delivering its long-term growth plans.
He will oversee the group’s UK operations, support new business opportunities and help drive expansion into new vehicle segments and brands.
Laidlaw has worked with Harris Group’s UK businesses for a number of years and brings leadership experience from across multiple sectors.
The business has been restructuring, with a new CEO appointed earlier this year.
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Brian Patterson, the new chief executive at Harris Group, said: “We have set ourselves an ambitious target of achieving annual revenues of €1 billion by 2030 and have developed a clear roadmap to deliver it. Bill’s appointment is an integral part of that journey.
“Bill brings incomparable experience, strong leadership and a genuine passion for our business, our people and our customers.
“He has a deep understanding of the opportunities that lie ahead for Harris Group and a proven ability to deliver results.
“As we continue to expand our operations, strengthen our market position and explore new brand opportunities, Bill will play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our objectives.”
Patterson said Hunt made a “significant contribution to the group’s MAXUS operations and played an important role in shaping the business in 2026”.
He added: “On behalf of everyone at Harris Group, I would like to thank him for his dedication, commitment and professionalism, and wish him every happiness in retirement.”
The company said a wider senior management restructuring programme remains under way, with further appointments expected to be announced in due course.