Auto Trader Leadership Team

Having joined Autotrader in 2007 to oversee the transition from magazine business to purely digital company. Nathan now has the ultimate responsibility for running Autotrader, including the strategy, culture and performance of the business for shareholders, employees, customers, and wider stakeholders.

Nathan was first appointed to the Board as COO in April 2017 before becoming CFO in July 2017, and then CEO in March 2020.

Before Autotrader
Cutting his teeth in Australia, Nathan previously worked at Telstra where he led Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Development for its media and internet businesses. He was involved in a wide range of internet, media and technology businesses in multiple countries which served him well upon arrival at Autotrader.

Prior to that he worked in corporate finance at PwC and received his BCom (Hons) from the University of Sydney.

First car
Nissan Pulsar

What it meant to him
"I hated the look of it, I hated the way it drove. It was just the only car I could afford with a bit of help from my parents. In the end, my dad took it to the scrapyard and got a grand total of $50 for it. He kept the money claiming it was danger money for driving it there."

At Autotrader since
2007

Catherine is focused on guiding the strategy and development of Autotrader, playing an essential role in taking the business forward. Working with different teams, manufacturers, retailers and more, she reflects our values and readily admits ‘every day’s a school day’.

Catherine became COO in May 2019. She first joined Autotrader in 2017.

Before Autotrader
Early in her career, Catherine became a qualified Chartered Accountant before quickly realising it wasn’t for her. Instead, she started on what would prove to be a squiggly career path. Going from advisory, strategy and leadership roles for the likes of Trainline, Addison Lee and then Autotrader. She followed her instincts and always found herself exactly where she needed to be.

Catherine studied Economics at the University of Durham.

First car
Vauxhall Corsa

What it meant to her
"It had a tiny engine with the lowest possible spec but meant so much to me when I was 17. When you ask people about their first car, it always sounds like they're describing fundamental values because they say things like, ‘It’s freedom, it’s independence’. In reality, that car did give me all of those things."

At Autotrader since
2017

Taking care of financials at Autotrader, Jamie has worked in a variety of different roles, covering commercial finance, financial reporting, pricing and investor relations.

Jamie became Chief Financial Officer in March 2020. He first joined Autotrader in 2012 as a Commercial Finance Analyst.

Before Autotrader
A qualified Chartered Management Accountant, Jamie initially worked as a freight derivatives broker for inter-dealer broker GFI. He left to join a start-up company called Swapit, developing a children’s online swapping and trading community. Swapit was soon after acquired by SuperAwesome.

Jamie studied Economics and Economic History at the University of Bristol.

First car
Ford Fiesta

What it meant to him
"It gave me a great sense of independence. I can still clearly remember the first time I drove it by myself after my driving test, knowing that I could go anywhere. The sense of opportunity was greater, and freedom of movement was literally in my hands."

At Autotrader since
2012

Managing relationships with Autotrader’s largest partners, Ian gets around the entire automotive ecosystem. From franchise retailers and OEMs to finance houses and leasing companies, he works to develop relationships, expand product sets and deliver long-term sustainable value (in both directions). As well as focusing on delivering strategic growth for Autotrader with its various key partners, Ian also works closely with the communications, PR and editorial teams to help build Autotrader’s external credibility and profile.

Ian became Commercial Director in April 2018. He first joined Autotrader as Director, Manufacturer and Agency at the start of 2017.

Before Autotrader
Ian experienced the ins and outs of automotive before ever stepping foot in Autotrader. Covering both brand and retailer, he’s done it all, at both an international and local level. His roles have spanned the entire ecosystem. From working internationally at the Renault-Nissan head office in Paris, to director roles at OEM national sales companies for both Renault and Volkswagen group, all the way through to running his first single retailer site in London and then running an AM10 retailer group.

Ian studied European Studies (Economics, Politics, German and French) at Loughborough University.

First car
Volkswagen Golf GLX

What it meant to him
"I got it when I was a student and it was yellow with a brown interior. Pretty grim! I looked into loads of different ways that I might be able to respray the thing and if I could afford it. I couldn’t. But it drove well and was pretty reliable. It got me places. It also meant autonomy – the ability to get out and about. It also meant a lot of friends calling it my bananamobile."

At Autotrader since
2017

Alison has the drive and passion for turning business structure into high performance teams. She brings progressive culture and tech together in one role, which is rare, but not at Autotrader. It helps Alison attract and keep the best tech talent. Focused on ensuring reliability and scalability of infrastructure, supporting b2b customers, and shaping the cultural environment, Alison leaves no stone unturned.

Alison serves as the chair of Manchester Digital, the independent trade association for the thriving digital sector in the north west of England. She also was named ‘Woman of the Year’ in 2017 at the Women in IT Awards and was a recipient of an MBE in the King’s 2023 Birthday Honours.

Alison became Chief People and Operations Officer in 2023. She first joined Autotrader in 2002 as Head of Service Delivery.

Before Autotrader
Alison's career effectively started at Autotrader where she worked her way all the way up. A testimony to graft, resilience and adaptability in what was a male-dominated tech space in the early noughties.

First car
Austin Metro

What it meant to her
"Finally, I was learning to drive in my 30s! I was, after all, working for a car company."

At Autotrader since
2002

Abby co-leads the Product and Tech Community. First joining the business as a graduate, she managed motoring services partnerships in Wimbledon before eventually moving to Manchester as a Product Manager - making the transition from consumer to retailer products. Establishing a vast range of knowledge and experience, she then stepped into her first leadership role in 2016. Abby now leads the Product and Tech Community, focusing on prioritisation, building high performing teams to deliver on the business strategy, and creating an environment that enables those teams to develop and thrive. She also formed and leads the Women in Software Engineering (WiSE) community within Autotrader. She has a passion for product, people and problem solving and she combines all three in the role she does today.

Abby became Product and Tech Director in April 2021. She first joined Autotrader as a Channel Development Executive.

Before Autotrader
Although Abby did a year placement at BT as Product Management Support, Autotrader was actually the first job she applied for after leaving University, and she’s still here 19 years later.

Abby studied Business Management at the University of Surrey.

First car
Nissan Micra

What it meant to her
"It meant I no longer had to get two buses and a train, or a lift from my Mum, just to get to sixth form or to see my friends. It certainly wasn’t the most attractive of cars, but it gave me independence, freedom and some great memories I’ll never forget."

At Autotrader since
2006

Overseeing and prioritising all the products and services that come through Autotrader, Ben works to make sure the world of product and technology marries up to the needs of consumers. Involved in marketing, brand, comms and design, Ben makes sure product roll outs hit the mark.

Ben became Product Director in July 2022. He first joined Autotrader as Head of Product for Consumer.

Before Autotrader
Working for companies big and small, from tiny agencies to international organisations and running his own start up, Ben’s worked for the likes of Accenture, Shell, Natwest and BP before finally landing at Autotrader. No matter where he’s been though, he’s always loved working as part of a small, collaborative team and moving the dial.

Ben studied Management Science at Loughborough University.

First car
Renault Clio

What it meant to him
"Passing my driving test and being able to drive myself when I was younger was reducing the burden on my parents more than anything. I used to play golf quite a lot to a good standard. So before I could drive, my parents had to take me all over the country to go to golf tournaments. So once I passed my driving test, they were just like 'okay, take the car'."

At Autotrader since
2018

Driven by a passion for computing and working harder, Ben oversees all things in the engineering world. Having experienced Autotrader at every level, he understands the challenges, the different points of view, and how to make it all work together. Ben has a focus on both consumer and retailer products, while evolving the structure of hundreds of engineers to align to Autotrader's strategic goals.

Ben became Engineering Director in April 2021. He first joined Autotrader in 2010 as a Senior Developer.

Before Autotrader
Ben completed a Computer Science degree before diving into the world of engineering. Getting his start as a Software Developer, he soon expanded his engineering horizons. Outside of Autotrader, he most notably spent time working as a Lead Technical Architect at Morrisons.

Ben studied Computer Science at Manchester Metropolitan University.

First car
Mercedes A-Class AMG 250

What it meant to him
"A feeling of being grown up… finally. I passed my test when I was 30 after doing one of those one-week crash courses. I passed on my first try and got to work making up for lost time in the driving seat."

At Autotrader since
2010

Heading up the product community, Karolina makes sure Autotrader is creating the best user experiences for car buyers and retailers, whilst unlocking new opportunities for commercial growth. She leads product strategy at Autotrader across core marketplace, platform and digital retailing, while also getting involved in all things product and tech. She has to wear multiple hats on a daily basis, maintaining focus and prioritisation in the short term while always keeping an eye on long-term goals.

Karolina became Chief Product Officer in September 2022. She first joined Autotrader as Head of Market Analysis.

Before Autotrader
After 5 years studying Business Management at university in Poland and Belgium, Karolina went for a position as a market analyst at Autotrader. It was her first interview out of university and 17 years later remains her only interview to date.

Karolina has a Master of Science in Business Management from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology.

First car
Volkswagen Golf

What it meant to her
"I learned to drive and got my driving license at 17 but didn’t actually have my own car until I was in my late twenties. For years, I relied on borrowing my mum’s car whenever I could. I always loved driving. Being able to drive gave me a sense of independence and meant less time getting wet in the rain at bus stops and feeling frustrated when buses didn’t show up. The first car I owned was a used VW Golf – nice and practical, no bells and whistles, but it was my mine."

At Autotrader since
2008

Known for leading high-performance teams, driving cultural change and investing in people at every opportunity, Neil is all about getting results. Responsible for leading the sales function at Autotrader, he's played a key role over the years as the business has shifted, pivoted and reinvented itself.

Neil became Sales Director in April 2019. He first joined Autotrader as a Credit Manager in 2007.

Before Autotrader
Neil spent over ten years in the Telecoms sector. He steadily progressed from a part-time student job into management for Telefonica O2. Always customer facing, through continual transformation. From his earliest days Neil's big influences were managing change and people.

First car
Ford Fiesta

What it meant to him
"I was 17, so my first car was freedom. Just me and my friends driving around the North West going here, there and everywhere. It was great fun."

At Autotrader since
2007

Niki started in classified sales for the Trader Media Group in 1995, which rebranded to Autotrader in 2014. She has held senior roles across sales, production, marketing and operations. She now oversees the Go To Market Community including both customer and consumer experiences. She's responsible for the successful delivery - from concept to launch and beyond - of all new customer solutions. As part of this, Niki also oversees customer communications and interactions to make sure all services, old and new, are meeting the needs of Autotrader's retailer partners.

Niki became Go To Market Director in June 2022.

Before Autotrader
Niki's first job was selling classified ads for a twice weekly free ads paper. It was a hectic, sales-led world where she was dealing with everyone from cash-only customers on the back pages to regional marketing directors. It was a mixture of graft, adrenaline and teamwork. She was instantly hooked. It shaped her and may well be part of the reason she's stayed at Autotrader for 30 years.

Niki studied English Literature and Linguistics at York St.John University.

First car
Ford Fiesta

What it meant to her
"My mum and brother were both really into cars. So, it didn't feel like such a big deal because i was already part of this car nut family, surrounded by cars, with weekends spent fixing them. But it helped me travel back and forth from York for uni and I could wind down the windows, play my own tunes, have a bit of independence. So, I loved that."

At Autotrader since
1995

After spending the last ten years creating an all-employee experience that fuels performance and makes Autotrader one of the most admired digital employers in the UK, Christos remains as passionate as ever. Leading the People, Culture and Environment team, Christos is jointly responsible for the group’s people strategy and delivering on our Community, Environmental, and Diversity & Inclusion commitments. Deeply passionate about the power of partnerships between the business and voluntary sector, Christos is a trustee for We Are Survivors, Vice President of Forever Manchester and a member of the steering committee for Change the Race Ratio.

Christos became People and Culture Director in July 2022. He first joined Autotrader as Head of Resourcing.

Before Autotrader
Christos studied Marketing Communications at The American College of Greece and the London School of Economics before completing an MSc in Human Resources Management at the University of Manchester. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

After finishing his studies, Christos began forging his career path across various industries from social housing to financial services and online fashion.

First car
Lancia Ypsilon

What it meant to him
"Growing up. And freedom. I managed to squeeze six people into that tiny car. We went everywhere - our whole friendship group. My wonder years spent travelling all over the islands of Greece and beyond in that little Lancia."

At Autotrader since
2014

Claire is our Company Secretary and is responsible for our legal services, risk management, regulatory compliance and corporate governance. She joined the business in 2015 when Autotrader first became a PLC. So, when it comes to Governance, Risk and Compliance, Claire is leading the way.

Claire became Company Secretary and Director of Governance in January 2018. She first joined Autotrader as Deputy Company Secretary.

Before Autotrader
Training as an accountant at 18, Claire spent several years as an auditor before moving to in-house finance roles. She then switched gears and became a Company Secretary at Centaur Media plc and then Betfair Group plc.

Claire is an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute and holds an MBA from Manchester Business School.

First car
Vauxhall Nova

What it meant to her
"I called it the Vauxhall Supernova because it was the ‘90s and I was always listening to Oasis. But I loved that car. It was a tiny white thing. That car meant freedom to me. Suddenly you don’t have to rely on your parents and I was proud that I saved up and bought it myself. So, just getting to where you wanted to go and seeing things you wouldn’t be able to otherwise see without it."

At Autotrader since
2015

Chris is responsible for technology at Autotrader and has worked here for over 25 years. He sets the group technology strategy and plays a part in steering the direction of the business. Passionate about software and technology, Chris leads a team of architects as well as product development and operational teams. He's self-deprecating and an interesting mix of creative, realist and critic - often all within the same meeting.

Chris became Chief Technology Officer in July 2021. He first joined Autotrader in 1998 as a New Media Developer.

Before Autotrader
He has spent most of his working life at Autotrader, but upon finishing his studies at university, he notably spent a year at BT.

Chris studied Genetics at the University of Leeds.

First car
Ford Escort

What it meant to him
"It was totally indispensable and purely practical. I ran it into the ground. After that, I pivoted and had a string of BMWs."

At Autotrader since
1998

Working across all business areas, Farzana is focused on commercialising products and extracting more revenue from Autotrader initiatives. Overseeing numerous teams, Farzana has a view of Pricing, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Commercial Finance. Her goal is always to understand the financial performance in order to provide insights, analysis and guidance on revenue growth and overall business performance and priorities.

Farzana became Director of Pricing & FP&A in 2021.

Before Autotrader
After finishing her A-Levels, Farzana knew she wanted to be an accountant and got to work making it happen. Getting on to an accounting study scheme, she worked with a firm of charted accountants while doing her ACCA exams. From there, Farzana realised she wanted to be part of a business and not just working with them, and so made the switch from practice to industry. From there, she started to build her commercial acumen, constantly getting involved in initiatives that were transforming business performance.

First car
Volkswagen Golf GTI

What it meant to her
"It was a car I'd wanted for a very long time. I genuinely remember seeing and circling it in Autotrader magazine. Me and my brother drove 30 miles to go and see it, and I almost didn't get it because my brother wanted the dealer to come down £200 on the price. He wouldn't, so we left, and I was gutted. Halfway home the dealer rang back to say he'll knock off the full £200. I loved that car - indigo blue, 16-inch alloys, and I made sure that it was cleaned and valeted every week."

At Autotrader since
2012

Stephen brings over two decades of experience, insight, and heart to his role as People and Culture Director. Since joining in 2002, he’s been a guiding force through transformative change - evolving with the business from its early new media days into the innovative digital marketplace it is today. Jointly leading the People and Culture team and driving the people strategy, Stephen brings a deep understanding of the organisation’s journey having experience the shifts in culture, growth and strategy firsthand.

Stephen became People and Culture Director in February 2016. He first joined Autotrader as a HR Manager.

Before Autotrader
Stephen laid his professional foundation in the public sector, starting in the then-called ‘personnel’ department of local authority where he learned the value of structure and precision. He’d then carry those skills forward to a more dynamic corporate setting at Computer Science Corporation where he supported clients like British Aerospace and the Department of Health.

Stephen holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Staffordshire and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources from the University of Central Lancashire.

First Car
Mini Mayfair

What it meant to him:
"It was already 13 years old when I got it, but I absolutely loved it. I remember watching my older friends and brother get their cars before me - I was desperate for that freedom. As soon as I had it, I was off, zipping around the country! That independence was everything."

At Autotrader since
2002

Running the engineering wing of Autotrader, Shaun is in charge of the group that runs all the core systems. Whether it’s the vehicle data system or the main search index, Shaun makes sure it all runs smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring the foundations that Autotrader sits on are solid.

Shaun became Engineering Director in April 2018. He first joined Autotrader as a Principal Developer.

Before Autotrader
Following his love for computers, Shaun pivoted from a career in genetics and instead learned how to programme on his friend’s spare computer. He never looked back. One of his first jobs was creating an access database and UI for accommodation at the University of Manchester.

Shaun studied Genetics at the University of Manchester.

First car
Ford Mondeo

What it meant to him
"I never learned to drive until I was 27. I never needed a car. I just used public transport all the time. I walked, I cycled. So, the first car I owned is the car I still have now, 20 years and 170,000 miles later. It’s an all-black estate so I call it the hearse. The reason I got it was because it could be a family car, and sure enough relatively quickly after I got it, we had a family. So, it was nice to fill it."

At Autotrader since
2012

Pete wears a lot of hats at Autotrader but mostly he's in a cap. His focuses change year-to-year which means he has an understanding of pretty much every part of Autotrader. Whether it's CX and finance or early careers, Pete's heavily involved. He also co-sponsors the Social Mobility Network and as a side thing hosts the Roadmap podcast which is a great place to see what he's like. He doesn't do dull, he doesn't do corporate stiffness, he does Pete, which is clever, upbeat, friendly and fun - which can be slightly disarming at first.

Pete became Product and Tech Director in July 2022. He first joined Autotrader as a Senior Project Manager.

Before Autotrader
Once Pete reluctantly gave up his dreams of making a living from skateboarding, he leaned into his inner maths geek to become a software engineer. Not long afterwards, he was working for American consultancy business and software house, Computer Science Corporation. This gave him experience in cyber security, infrastructure and transformation, including critical projects for nuclear decommissioning at Dounreay.

Pete studied Pure Maths and Stats at the University of Liverpool.

First bike
BMX Puch

What it meant to him
"Christmas day, 1985. A thing of beauty. Luminous yellow and I rode everywhere on it. At the time that felt like absolute freedom. But more importantly, on that bike I just felt ace!"

At Autotrader since
2012

Rebecca has held many senior roles across most commercial areas of the business, especially in sales leadership. This has allowed her to develop outstanding relationships within Autotrader and, critically, throughout the wider automotive ecosystem. Rebecca jointly leads the Partnership Community which is responsible for culture and performance across multiple teams including retailers, manufacturers and finance. Her day-to-day is spent with partners or Autotrader people passionate about improving customer performance.

Rebecca become Group Sales Director in February 2020. She first joined Autotrader in 2002 as a Trade Advertising Manager.

Before Autotrader
Prior to joining Autotrader, she worked for United Business Media.

Rebecca has an MA in Marketing Management from Manchester Business School.

First car
Mini

What it meant to her
"It meant I could shake, rattle and roll across the Pennines to get to Leeds University and back, so it meant a lot. I can still remember the reg number. If you ever find yourself wondering how many students can fit in a Mini, I might have an answer for you."

At Autotrader since
2002