Meet our Senior Leadership Team
Stephen Lester
Chief Executive Officer CAA AU & NZ
Stephen Lester joined Cox Automotive as Chief Executive...
Sean Kinsey
Director of Operations AU & NZ
As the Director of Operations, Sean has responsibility for overseeing process improvements...
Shakira Loveridge
General Manager – Passenger & Commercial Vehicles
Shakira joined Cox Automotive in 2022 and is the General Manager...
Paul Rittman
Head of Industrial
As the Head of Industrial Australia and New Zealand, Paul oversees the Industrial auction business...
Jono Ellerton
Head of Salvage
Jono started at what was then Fowles Auction Group in 1997 as a trainee auction...
Stephen Lester
Chief Executive Officer CAA AU & NZ
Stephen Lester joined Cox Automotive as Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand in November 2022. A credible and proven leader, Stephen has extensive international automotive experience gained in Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. His sound understanding of the automotive ecosystems is derived from over 20 years with OEMs BMW, Nissan, and Stellantis. Stephen compliments this exposure with a comprehensive business understanding having held a wide variety of roles in marketing, advertising, sales operations, regional management, marketing and Managing Director. Passionate about transforming the automotive industry with tailored, digitally enabled experiences, Stephen is adept at working closely with customers to genuinely understand their challenges and develop sustainable, profitable solutions.
Sean Kinsey
Director of Operations AU & NZ
As the Director of Operations, Sean has responsibility for overseeing process improvements and efficiencies, and developing a safety culture across Retail and Vehicle Solutions, ensuring all activity is undertaken efficiently and safely – so everyone goes home safe – every day. Sean also leads the Manheim Vehicle Services function where he leads the creation and promotion of vehicle services across all Manheim sites in Australia and New Zealand in conjunction with having responsibility for National Transport and National Operations and Inspections and Queensland Inspection Services. Sean has been with our business for 16 years working in a variety of roles and as a result has a strong connection to not only our people but our customers. His time at Manheim includes a period of almost eight years as General Manager, QLD where he had the responsibility of managing the day-to-day running of the QLD sites.
Shakira Loveridge
General Manager – Passenger & Commercial Vehicles
Shakira joined Cox Automotive in 2022 and is the General Manager – Enterprise and Sales. She is responsible for providing strategic sales leadership and has direct responsibility for the acquisition and management of enterprise customers including dealer, OEM, financier and insurance, fleet, government, corporate and rental divisions. Shakira also oversees the Passenger and Commercial Vehicle remarketing operation within Manheim ensuring our buyers and sellers achieve market-leading customer outcomes. She is an energetic and passionate executive focused on creating value, exceptional customer experiences, leadership, and profit optimization.
Paul Rittman
Head of Industrial
As the Head of Industrial Australia and New Zealand, Paul oversees the Industrial auction business within Manheim. He has over 20 years’ experience in the remarketing of assets in Australia and New Zealand and is an ASA (American Society of Appraisers) accredited valuer. Paul joined the business in 2018 as the Head of Finance, Insolvency and Corporate and moved to be Head of Sales for Industrial. Throughout his time with Manheim, Paul has developed a track record of building high performing sales teams; increased our brand presence in the market by opening new market regions and our reach into new industries; and contributed to the doubling of sales and revenue.
Jono Ellerton
Head of Salvage
Jono started at what was then Fowles Auction Group in 1997 as a trainee auction coordinator and fork lift driver. Over time he has held various roles including General Manager for Manheim Tasmania, National Leasing Manager as well as National Account Management roles. He also spent two years at Manheim Thailand based in Bangkok overseeing the implementation of their Simulcast auction platform. Since 2016 Jono has been the Head of Salvage for Manheim Australia and New Zealand. He is a proud Tasmanian and a passionate Hawthorn FC supporter.