Stuart joins Hippo Motor Group as new CFO

Lancashire car dealership Hippo Motor Group has appointed a new chief financial officer to support its ambitious growth nationwide. 

Stuart Whittle has more than 20 years’ finance experience and prior to joining the Blackburn-based firm held senior leadership roles in the vehicle, property and banking sectors, including Close Motor Finance, LSL Property Services and Leeds Building Society.

As well as leading the group's finance team, Whittle will be responsible for creating a digitally focussed growth strategy for the business’ three brands.

Director Tom Preston said: “We have enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past few years through investment in our team, technology, and state-of-the-art facilities. This year alone we have increased our team by 50 per cent and purchased new sites, so we are now geared up ready to hit our targets in the coming years.

“In order to maintain our competitive edge in a busy sector it is vital that we have a robust finance leader and we are confident we have that in Stuart, who will be a real asset not just for Hippo but also for our own lending arm Oasis Motor Finance.

"Hippo is a business which prides itself on customer service excellence, so our people are our most important asset. Stuart has the experience to deliver a strong finance future as well as the skillset and qualities to lead his team and help them thrive.”

Stuart Whittle said: "Hippo is a dynamic business and Tom has a clear vision of its future place within the market and how we get there. I am delighted to join the team at this crucial chapter in the Hippo journey and can’t wait to get stuck into the role.”

The Hippo Motor Group is one of the fastest growing finance companies in the UK, boasting 300 staff and selling over 10,000 cars per year. The group comprises three businesses, Hippo Leasing, Caruno and Hippo Approved, recently rebranded from Hippo Prestige. They also have their own contract hire and Hire purchase finance company Oasis Motor Finance.

The business has offices in Blackburn, Manchester and Luton with further expansion in Derby and Corby coming soon.