CKL Developments, the historic racing and restoration business based in Battle, East Sussex, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Hews and Tim Mason as Joint Managing Directors of the business.
As Operations Director and Commercial Director respectively, Mark (37) and Tim (53) have been key members of the senior management team helping to steer the business through a phase of modernisation, realignment and all the recent worldwide challenges alongside founder Chris Keith-Lucas and outgoing Managing Director James Fraser. Chris will continue to work for the business going forward albeit on a reduced 4-day week and James will be retained as a consultant. Tim and Mark will also be joining Chris and Chairman Stefan Ziegler as shareholders in the business.
Combining decades of experience in workshop and business management from both the modern and classic motor industry, Mark and Tim’s skill sets complement one another in an ideal way to continue CKL Development’s journey into the future. They began their working partnership as part of the leadership team at world renowned Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists P & A Wood and have now spent over 10 years working together in the world of classic and race cars at the highest levels.
This transition happens at an exciting time in the company’s 25-year history, with the expansion of the workshop team and recent investment in the next generation of classic car mechanics via the Heritage Skills Academy apprenticeship scheme. The team have recently celebrated podium successes at historic racing events and a 2nd in Class award at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours.
Commenting on the appointment, Chairman Stefan Ziegler said “I am excited about the future for CKL Developments and am very happy that with Mark and Tim, we have two outstandingly qualified people to write the next chapter for our company. I do look forward to working more closely with them. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank James for his efforts in completing the initial phase of the turnaround and we look forward to working with him in the future in a consultancy role.”
Mark Hews stated that “I have been privileged to learn from two of the most knowledgeable experts in the classic car industry, Andrew Wood at P & A Wood and more recently Chris Keith-Lucas here at CKL Developments. To now have the opportunity to lead this business with Tim and continue working alongside Chris, absorbing his vast knowledge and experience is a challenge I am very much looking forward to.”
Tim Mason added “I feel honoured to be taking on this role and advancing CKL Developments into the future. Mark and I see great opportunities to build on the foundations laid in recent years and are looking forward to working with the team here on this exciting journey.”