Simon Bottomley appointed Hendy Group COO

Simon Bottomley has re-joined Hendy Group as chief operating officer, taking up the role in October 2026. His return comes as Duncan McPhee prepares to leave Hendy to become chief executive of Athenea, a shift that could reshape dealer relationships and service strategies across the UK market. The timing aligns with broader industry moves towards digital service platforms.

Key takeaways

• Simon Bottomley returns to Hendy Group as COO.
• His appointment starts in October 2026.
• Duncan McPhee will become Athenea chief executive.
• The leadership change may affect dealer partnerships.

Simon Bottomley's return to Hendy Group

Simon Bottomley re-joins Hendy Group as chief operating officer, a senior leadership position overseeing day-to-day operations.

His appointment is effective from October 2026 and is intended to strengthen the company's operational focus ahead of upcoming strategic moves.

Duncan McPhee moves to Athenea

Duncan McPhee will leave Hendy Group to assume the role of chief executive at Athenea, a vehicle-technology provider.

The transition is scheduled to occur after Bottomley's start, ensuring continuity in Hendy’s leadership.

Strategic impact on Hendy Group

With Bottomley handling operations and McPhee focusing on Athenea, Hendy Group aims to maintain stability for its dealer network.

The reshuffle is expected to keep existing dealer agreements intact while exploring new service initiatives. It also provides an opportunity to review pricing structures and improve supply chain responsiveness.

Industry context

Leadership changes of this nature are typical in the UK automotive sector, where firms adjust senior teams to meet market demands.

Dealers monitor these shifts closely, as they can influence financing terms, after‑sales support, and technology partnerships. Dealers should also consider the potential impact on warranty administration and parts sourcing, as technology providers often renegotiate terms with their distribution partners.

What this means for dealers

Dealers working with Hendy Group may see renewed focus on operational efficiency and service consistency under Bottomley’s guidance.

The departure of McPhee to Athenea could open opportunities for collaboration on technology solutions, requiring dealers to stay informed about Athenea’s offerings. Dealers who adopt Athenea’s data solutions may benefit from improved vehicle valuation accuracy, enabling more competitive pricing and faster turnover.

Frequently asked questions

What role will Simon Bottomley play at Hendy Group?

Simon Bottomley will serve as chief operating officer, responsible for overseeing Hendy Group’s daily operations, implementing strategy, and supporting dealer relations across the UK market. He will also work with senior management to align product offerings with dealer needs and ensure compliance with industry standards. His background includes extensive experience in fleet management, which is valuable for dealer networks.

How might Duncan McPhee’s move to Athenea affect Hendy dealers?

Duncan McPhee’s move to become chief executive of Athenea may lead Hendy dealers to encounter new technology partnerships, as Athenea provides vehicle data and connectivity solutions that could be integrated into Hendy’s service platforms. Dealers should monitor announcements from both companies for potential product roll‑outs or data‑sharing agreements that could affect pricing and after‑sales services.

Should dealers prepare for any operational changes at Hendy?

Dealers are advised to stay in contact with their Hendy representatives to confirm whether any procedural or contractual adjustments will follow the leadership change. While no immediate alterations have been announced, the new COO may introduce efficiency programmes that could affect order processing times or after‑sales support structures.