Darren Wales has announced his retirement and will step down from his role at AMA Group heading up the Wales heavy vehicle repair division. In a LinkedIn post he said: "It is with mixed emotions that I would like to share that I will be leaving AMA Group at the end of July to spend some quality time with my family.
"Whilst this decision has not come easily, and after a lifetime (38 years) working within the Heavy Motor Repair industry, I believe it is the right decision. I would like to thank our exceptional team at Wales and the AMA Group, who have made this journey with me. I cannot thank you enough for your support, professionalism and friendship over the years. It has been the number 1 reason for our success.
"Our wonderful and loyal customer base, our supportive supplier network have all been a part of what makes the Wales team tick, in delivering the highest quality repair services available to the industry.
"I leave with the comfort that Wales Heavy Motor, is in the very capable hands of my replacement Jim Lynch EGM of Wales and Specialist Business. In your words Jim, don’t f… it up!"
It was Darren's father Barry who started the business back in 1982. Darren joined the business in 1988 and was a key driver in the specialisation of heavy vehicles. Barry retired and Darren took the helm and built Wales Truck Repairs up to become the largest single-site repair business in the country. Darren then set up Wales Bus Repairs and became a leader in this field too. By 2019 he felt he had taken the business as far as he could and joined forces with AMA Group becoming the CEO of the commercial vehicle division.
Darren has always valued sustainability, taking out the Paint & Panel sustainability award back in 2012. As well as being an early adopter of green initiatives such as water recycling, energy efficient equipment and lights, the business also bought carbon emission offsets. Other sustainable practices included a strong apprentice focus.
Jim Lynch will now head up the heavy and specialists businesses (prestige and ADAS) while Stuart Faid moves into Lynch's role as head of collision.