Toby Whewell has been promoted to managing director of Frasle Mobility’s UK operations, formally stepping into the role on August 1 after eight years as the business’s sales and marketing director. He succeeds Mark Clegg, who will retire from the position and leave the business at the end of the year. The move is part of a wider restructuring at Frasle Mobility UK that also elevates Chris Bowman to head of sales and follows the appointment of a product and purchasing director earlier this year.
Highlights
- Whewell takes up the managing director role on August 1, succeeding Mark Clegg at Frasle Mobility’s UK business.
- Whewell joined Juratek in 2017 and has spent the past eight years as sales and marketing director, with an aftermarket career spanning almost three decades.
- Clegg joined the business in 2015, moved from operations director to managing director in 2024, and returns to operations until his retirement at year end.
- Chris Bowman becomes head of sales across all UK brands, distributed from sites in Doncaster, Bradford, and Belfast.
From Sales Leadership to the Top Job
Whewell joined Juratek in 2017 and, according to the company, played a pivotal role in the 2023 acquisition of the UK business by the Brazilian multinational. That transaction brought the Fras-le and Nakata brands into the UK portfolio, alongside Abtex, which Juratek had acquired in 2021.
The company points to a career in the automotive aftermarket spanning almost three decades as the basis for the appointment, with the sales and marketing directorship the most recent of those roles.
Commenting on his appointment, Whewell said “I would like to thank Mark for his invaluable contribution over the past 11 and a half years, and also Frasle Mobility for trusting me with this position as we enter the next phase of our journey.”
Clegg Retires After Nearly 40 Years in the Aftermarket
Clegg joined the business in 2015 as operations director and assumed the managing director role in 2024. His aftermarket career began in a local Motorworld store almost 40 years ago. He will resume his previous operations role until his retirement at the end of the year, leaving to focus more time on his personal life and family.
Speaking on his retirement, Clegg said “Since joining this infectious industry after leaving school, I’ve enjoyed a varied career and have been fortunate to meet and learn from many inspiring people who have shaped my journey.
The past 11 and a half years at Juratek have been incredible, and I’m proud to have led the team through its continued transition into the Frasle Mobility family. The business is in great shape, with fantastic people ready to take it into its next chapter. I wish everyone continued success and thank them for the memories.”
Sales and Purchasing Roles Filled in Wider Restructuring
Chris Bowman has been promoted to head of sales after a tenure as area sales manager, a position he held since joining the business in 2017. He will oversee sales for every brand in the UK portfolio, distributed from the company’s sites in Doncaster, Bradford, and Belfast.
The changes follow the appointment of Martyn Holt earlier this year as product and purchasing director, a role covering product development, procurement, and supplier relations.
Whewell added “We have a busy and exciting few years ahead of us, and I look forward to working with the great team that we have in order to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves.”
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