Specialist learning and development group RTS has appointed experienced automotive management consultant Allan Sherburne as its international business development manager.
Chippenham-based RTS, which specialises in developing frontline staff in the automotive sector, already trades heavily overseas. Allan, pictured, joins as it aims to step up its operations in the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. 
Allan, who splits his time between Chippenham and the Philippines, has more than 30 years of leadership experience in mature and emerging markets across Europe, the US and the Asia Pacific region.
He began his career in the UK, working in aftersales for Rolls-Royce, before moving to Germany as a service manager, where he spent 12 years including a move into sales and marketing and a two-year stint with the Ferrari brand.
Still working in sales and marketing, he moved back to the UK to develop sport dealer networks for brands including BMW, Jaguar and Mazda, and also organising the promotion around major motor shows and motor sport events.
In the mid-90s his career took him to the Asia Pacific region. Based in the Philippines, he worked with the likes of Ford, Mazda and VW. Prior to joining RTS, he was a consultant with the recently-launched Chinese luxury car manufacturer Qoros.
Allan said: “I was looking to move back to the UK so the position at RTS was perfect. I get to spend some time in the UK and the rest of the time based in Manila, looking at new business opportunities in Asia Pacific and the Middle East for RTS and expanding the work they do for existing clients. So far, it’s going very well and we are looking at a lot of potential new clients.”
RTS Group works extensively in Europe, the Middle East and South Africa. Last year, it broke into China through its finance arm FIMTRAC, which trains dealership staff.
RTS managing director Malcolm Miller said Allan was the ideal person to help build on the company’s overseas success.
“Our business growth reflects how the automotive sector has become a truly global business,” he said. “I am delighted that we have secured Allan’s experience and knowledge to help us grow our support with the sector, particularly in the Far East.”
Founded in 1989, RTS works primarily in the automotive sector and its clients includes brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan for which is supplies one-to-one and classroom learning, through to eLearning, using smart phones, tablets and online tools.
