We are delighted to announce that The ECS Group has appointed Tom Thornton-Jones as Chief Operating Officer, strengthening our leadership team as we continue to support international automotive brands through a period of major market change.
Tom has worked with us at The ECS Group since 2012 and has played a central role in the development of our operational capability, client relationships and service delivery. In his new role as COO, he will support the strategic direction of the business, with a focus on operational excellence, client value, solution development and the continued evolution of The ECS Group as a trusted international standards partner.
Tom’s appointment comes at a significant point for the automotive sector. As new brands enter established markets, electric vehicle adoption accelerates, and customer expectations continue to shift, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to build resilient networks, consistent operating standards and strong after-sales infrastructure.
Tom believes this is where our experience is becoming increasingly valuable. For more than 30 years, The ECS Group has supported international automotive brands with the standards, insight and practical delivery needed to improve performance across complex networks. Our work sits at the point where strategy becomes reality: helping clients understand what is happening across their markets, identify where standards are under pressure and develop solutions that strengthen customer experience, compliance and operational performance.
Tom says, “The automotive market is moving quickly, but the fundamentals of customer confidence haven’t changed. Customers remember how a brand supports them after the sale, how easy it is to resolve an issue and whether the experience feels consistent, professional and trustworthy. That means network standards, after-sales support, compliance, training and customer experience are not back-office functions. They are central to brand performance.
“The opportunity for ECS is to help our clients turn market complexity into clear, practical action. We understand the pressures manufacturers face because we have worked alongside them for more than three decades, across different markets, brands and operating models. Our role is to bring that experience together with insight, technology and solution development, so clients can protect their standards, strengthen their networks and make confident decisions about what comes next.”
Andrew Mellor, CEO of The ECS Group, says: “Tom has breadth of experience, and we value both his vision for the market and for our own business. Our clients equally value his expertise, his judgement and his passion for what he does.
“His appointment as COO reflects the role he already plays in shaping our business, and the value we deliver for our clients. As the market continues to evolve, Tom’s experience will be vital in helping us strengthen our services, support our people and continue developing solutions that meet the timeliest challenges facing automotive manufacturers.”
Tom added: “ECS has always been at its best when we are close to our clients, listening carefully, understanding their challenges and building practical solutions that work in the real world. I am proud to take on this role and excited about the opportunity to help shape the next stage of the business.”
