Duncan McPhee appointed chief executive of Athenea

Athenea has named Duncan McPhee, previously chief operating officer of the Hendy Group and former Lookers executive, as its new chief executive, taking up the role on 16 November. The move is significant for UK dealer networks seeking seasoned leadership.

Key takeaways

• Duncan McPhee becomes Athenea CEO on 16 November.
• He brings COO experience from the Hendy Group.
• Previously held senior roles at Lookers.
• Leadership change may influence the supergroup’s strategy.

Athenea’s place in the AM100 supergroup

Athenea operates as part of the AM100 supergroup, a collection of automotive‑focused businesses that serve motor dealers across the United Kingdom.

The appointment of a new chief executive reflects the supergroup’s intent to reinforce its leadership team and sustain its market position.

McPhee’s experience in automotive retail

Duncan McPhee served as chief operating officer for the Hendy Group, where he oversaw dealer operations and supply‑chain initiatives.

Before joining Hendy, he held senior leadership positions at Lookers, contributing to retail strategy and network optimisation.

His background combines operational management with strategic planning across large dealership networks.

Leadership transition plan

McPhee will assume the chief executive role on 16 November, succeeding the outgoing chief executive after a planned hand‑over period.

The effective date allows both Athenea and the Hendy Group to coordinate a smooth transition of responsibilities.

Potential focus areas under new leadership

Stakeholders anticipate that McPhee’s appointment may accelerate development of data‑driven pricing tools within Athenea’s suite.

There may also be a renewed emphasis on integrating pricing insights with dealer inventory systems.

What this means for dealers

Dealers using Athenea can expect continuity in service while benefitting from McPhee’s operational expertise, which may speed product enhancements and support growth.

The leadership change could also lead to tighter integration of pricing data with dealer inventory platforms, helping dealers achieve more accurate valuations.

Frequently asked questions

When does Duncan McPhee take up the chief executive position at Athenea?

He will begin his duties as chief executive on 16 November, following his current responsibilities at the Hendy Group. The date allows a brief hand‑over period to ensure a smooth transition for both organisations.

What relevant experience does McPhee bring to his new role?

McPhee joins Athenea after serving as chief operating officer of the Hendy Group, where he managed day‑to‑day dealer operations and strategic projects. Prior to that he held senior roles at Lookers, overseeing retail strategy and network optimisation, giving him a deep understanding of UK automotive retail dynamics.