Simon Griffin new dealer principal for Watts Truck and Van

South Wales Daf Trucks dealer Watts Truck & Van has appointed Simon Griffin as the new dealer principal.

He begins his new job on 1 January 2013 and will arrive from Isuzu Truck (UK) where he is currently the general manager UK retail sales. Previously, he worked with Volvo Trucks.

With Watts company director John Landon retiring next year, the appointment is part of a succession plan. Stewart Charters, MD, explained: “Simon has been involved with trucks and buses (Volvo, Fuso and Isuzu) for over 20 years.

“This appointment is part of the succession planning for Watts Truck & Van with John retiring in 2013. John’s contribution to the company has been, and continues to be, of great value to the Watts Group,” he said, “and I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to John for his hard work and dedication through some difficult times.”

Charters is confident Simon will help continue to improve sales and service in South Wales and remain the regions premier truck and van dealer.

“Simon lives in South Wales and his knowledge of the local market and connection to the area will benefit both customers and the business,” he said.

Married with three children, Simon played rugby for Pontypridd and captained Oxford in the 1986 Varsity game and Wales Students in 1987.

John has spent his entire working life in the commercial vehicle industry in South and West Wales, and after working for Howells Garages he started his own dealership in Swansea with franchises for Leyland DAF trucks and LDV vans.

In 2008 Watts of Lydney bought Swansea Truck Centre from John and his co-shareholders, since then John took responsibility for all three Watts Truck & Van Welsh depots after Ray Nessbert retired in 2010.

Back in February 2012, Watts Truck & Van sold four sites (Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester and Yate) to Imperial Commercials.