Overview
Lithia UK has promoted Scott Burns to group vice president, assigning him oversight of the Ford, Ford CV, Jaecoo, Omoda, Chery, Changan and MG divisions. The move was reported by Motor Trader on Feb. 23, 2026, and shared by Burns via LinkedIn.
Role and responsibilities
Burns will lead multiple brand portfolios supported by a new team of regional directors, consolidating leadership across established and newer manufacturer relationships within Lithia UK.
- Ford
- Ford CV (commercial vehicles)
- Jaecoo
- Omoda
- Chery
- Changan
- MG
Experience and career path
Burns’ appointment follows more than two decades with the business, including 24 years at Evans Halshaw Ford in leadership roles spanning commercial vehicles and dealership operations. His background includes stints as CV director, CV manager and dealer principal, aligning with the mixed passenger and CV remit of his new role.
Recent brand and network activity
Motor Trader’s recent reporting highlights parallel developments across the group’s brand lineup and retail footprint that intersect with Burns’ new scope.
- Jan. 2, 2026: Evans Halshaw to represent Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo, expanding beyond its longstanding Ford ties.
- Dec. 8, 2025: New Evans Halshaw Ford dealership opened in Middlesbrough.
- Oct. 29, 2025: Evans Halshaw Ford Transit Centre opened in Darlington, adding dedicated CV capacity.
- Oct. 30, 2025: Appointment of a market director to spearhead BYD sales.
- Jan. 7, 2026: BYD Birmingham site moved to support growth (BYD is not among the divisions Burns will oversee).
Operational implications
The consolidation of multiple divisions under a single group vice president may sharpen accountability for performance and brand standards. Burns’ comments about a “fantastic new team of regional directors” indicate a management layer intended to coordinate local execution with national brand strategies.
What is not yet disclosed
- No start date for Burns’ new role was provided.
- It is not stated who previously held the group vice president position or whether it is newly configured.
- Further details of the regional structure and operational targets were not specified.
Notable quotes
- “After 24 years with Evans Halshaw Ford, I’m pleased to announce I’m starting a new role as Group Vice President in the company… [which] has demonstrated that hard work, loyalty and succession planning, does result in career progression.”
- “Feeling humble and very grateful to be given this huge opportunity.”
