Harris Group has appointed Paul O’Malley (pictured) as Head of Communications across its automotive brands including Higer, for which it is the UK and Ireland supplier of the Chinese coach and bus manufacturer’s products.
Mr O’Malley has three decades’ experience in the commercial vehicle communications field. He joins from automotive PR specialist Torque. Working as part of Harris’s overall marketing function led by Head of Marketing Andrew Dickinson, Mr O’Malley will align communications with the group’s wider commercial and brand strategies.
He combines industry insight with a strong record in strategic communications and media engagement, Harris Group notes. Previous clients with which Mr O’Malley has worked include DAF Trucks and MAN.
With Harris, he is charged with leading messaging through a period of portfolio expansion and market change. The group has made clear its ambitions for the Higer coach and bus brand, with a strong market entry in hand and plans for further models to join the products already coming to the UK and Ireland.
Speaking about the arrival, Mr Dickinson says: “Paul’s appointment is a significant step in our ongoing development. His depth of sector experience, combined with a proven ability to build brand visibility and manage communications programmes, makes him ideally suited to lead our comms function as the business enters its next growth phase.
“His understanding of the transport media ensures that our messaging will remain relevant, credible, and firmly customer focused.”
Adds Mr O’Malley: “I am thrilled to be joining Harris Group at such an exciting time in the company’s growth.
“There is strong momentum across the business; Maxus continues to grow strongly in both the electric- and diesel-powered LCV sectors, Isuzu is further consolidating its market position in Ireland, and Higer is poised to make a major impact in the coach and bus sector, backed by an ambitious product strategy, a comprehensive dealer network, and clear long-term intent.”
