Daksh Gupta Revealed as Contender for Big Motoring World CEO Role

The Battle for Big Motoring World's Top Job

High Court proceedings have unveiled that Daksh Gupta, a prominent figure in the UK motor trade, was a serious contender for the Chief Executive Officer role at Big Motoring World following his departure from Marshall Motor Group. The revelation came to light during the ongoing employment tribunal brought by the company's former leader, Peter Waddell.

Waddell, who founded the used car supermarket group, is claiming unfair dismissal, harassment, and disability discrimination against Bluebell Cars Ltd, the ultimate holding company of Big Motoring World. The case has thrown a spotlight on the internal power struggles and strategic decisions that followed the acquisition of the business.

Plans for a Phased Retirement

Earlier in the trial, which began in mid-February, the court heard that Waddell had ambitions for a "phased retirement" from the business he built. He expressed disappointment when Bluebell Cars decided against taking up a £72 million call option that would have secured its position as the majority shareholder.

The discussions about succession planning were a key point of contention. Under cross-examination on February 27th, Waddell disclosed that he personally held talks with Daksh Gupta about the prospect of Gupta becoming CEO in 2023. This move was part of a potential transition plan that could have seen Waddell assume the role of chairman.

A Different Candidate is Preferred

However, the court heard that the board at Freshstream, Bluebell Cars' parent company, had a different vision. They favoured appointing Laurence Vaughan, who was already serving as executive chairman of Big Motoring World. Vaughan was subsequently confirmed as CEO on an annual salary of £600,000.

Waddell told the High Court that he had not been consulted about Vaughan's appointment—an assertion that Bluebell Cars denies. He stated that he had "championed" the candidacy of Gupta, whom he had selected for the role with a proposed basic salary of around £350,000 plus performance-related bonuses.

Why Did Waddell Back Daksh Gupta?

Explaining his support for Gupta, Waddell described him as a similarly driven individual. "I was in control. He was the man I selected," Waddell testified. "I wanted Daksh Gupta… Daksh Gupta is the same as me. He works long hours."

Waddell further elaborated that Gupta's experience was ideal, having led Marshall Motor Group through its stock market flotation. He quoted Gupta as once saying, "I'm the best in new [cars] and you're the best [in] used," highlighting their complementary skills and shared understanding of the car retail environment. Waddell expressed concerns that Bluebell Cars was making the business too "corporate," a style he believed was incompatible with the culture of car dealerships.

Gupta Confirms the Talks

Following the court disclosures, Daksh Gupta confirmed to Car Dealer Magazine that discussions about the CEO position at Big Motoring World had indeed taken place. "Post leaving Marshall I was approached by quite a number of different parties, both inside and outside of automotive," Gupta stated. "These opportunities were both here in the UK and overseas. I did have conversations about the CEO role at Big Motoring World but I chose to pursue the role with Huws Gray and Blackstone."

Gupta was appointed CEO of builders' merchant Huws Gray in December 2023, marking a move outside the automotive industry. The High Court trial, which has covered a range of allegations from both sides, continues.