Experienced automotive industry specialist Steve Cootes has taken over the helm of StarterMotor, the charity based at Bicester Motion, following the retirement of longstanding chief executive David Withers.
Steve has enjoyed stints at heavyweights Ford, Mazda and Jaguar Land Rover, spending a decade with the UK arm of the Blue Oval from 1985. After moving to the Dearborn HQ of Ford, Steve was seconded to Lincoln Mercury and Ford China before joining Mazda Motors Europe, based in Germany. Returning to Britain with JLR as head of Land Rover’s European operations, Steve later stepped away from manufacturer roles and and for the past 12 years has enjoyed time working within the broader automotive sector.
“I join StarterMotor having enjoyed nearly 40 years in the automotive industry,” said Steve, who takes the role of general manager. “In more recent years I’ve undertaken a diverse and interesting range of roles in start-ups and SMEs [small-medium enterprises], jobs which provided valuable experience in Tier 1 automotive supply, and a spell in the marine powertrain sector.
“I’m excited to be part of StarterMotor’s future, building on the great work done by Dave Withers and wider team, to deliver against the charity’s mission to bring a younger generation into the historic vehicle sector, both to enjoy the rich motoring experience it offers, but also to establish careers in the sector to contribute to its longevity.”
David Withers leaves behind a transformative legacy with StarterMotor, having built the charity from the ground up, with a solitary car and no volunteers in 2019 to a rotating fleet of more than 10 cars and 25 committed Ambassadors who attend events all over the country each weekend.
He said: “It’s been a joy, an amazing five years. There have been plenty of highlights and of course the odd low light, but to have played a small part in helping kick start the careers of so many brilliant young people is something that gives me immense pride. I must thank each of them, and everybody who has made the charity what it is. I look forward to watching it continue to thrive under Steve’s stewardship.”
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive of Bicester Motion, thanked David for his services and added: “As likely to be seen in StarterMotor coveralls as he is leading a cohort of StarterMotor youth Ambassadors, Dave, as he is universally known, has been the driving force behind the flourishing charity. Filling those boots is an unenviable task, but Steve has all the attributes to do exactly that.”