Karmo has announced the appointment of Shaun Lees as Head of Dealer Development for Australia.
The newly created position will see Lees take responsibility for developing and managing strategic relationships with automotive manufacturing partners and the company's dealership network, with a particular focus on supporting area managers.
Lees joins Karmo following more than 18 years of experience at von Bibra Auto Group, where he held a range of managerial roles within the automotive retail sector. His appointment is part of Karmo's broader commitment to strengthening its national dealer network and delivering flexible vehicle access solutions nationwide.
Dealer partnerships
As Head of Dealer Development, Lees will work directly with dealership partners to promote alignment and consistency across Karmo's operations, supporting streamlined access to both new and used vehicles while preserving manufacturers' brand standards.
Lees is tasked with the ongoing development of Karmo's dealer relationships, enhancing communication and collaboration throughout the network. Monitoring market trends and emerging risks will also be a key responsibility, as he is expected to provide insights and recommendations to support service retention, strengthen dealer relationships and contribute to sustainable growth.
Under Lees' leadership, Karmo plans to optimise inventory management, reduce its balance sheet obligations and improve key operational metrics across its business.
"I am thrilled to join Karmo in this role. I look forward to working closely with our dealer partners to drive innovation and provide customers with smarter, more flexible ways to access vehicles."
Company strategy
Shaun Lees' appointment forms part of Karmo's national expansion plan, which also includes ongoing investment in technology, personnel, and continued improvements to company performance. This approach is intended to reinforce Karmo's position within the competitive vehicle subscription and fleet market.
Nick Boucher, CEO and Co-Founder of Karmo, stated that Lees' experience and leadership are expected to help the business scale and strengthen its dealer-facing operations.
"We are excited to welcome Shaun to the team. His deep industry experience and strong leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale. Our dealership network is a vital part of our business, and this appointment reinforces our commitment to being the partner of choice for dealers nationwide."
Karmo has supported more than 8,000 customers, including individuals and businesses, as well as rideshare drivers in major Australian cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. The appointment of Lees is viewed as a significant milestone in Karmo's ongoing progress in expanding its market presence.
Industry context
The growth of car subscription models in Australia reflects changing consumer preferences, with demand increasing for alternatives to traditional car ownership or leasing arrangements. Karmo's strategy aims to meet these shifting expectations by offering flexible subscription-based solutions and leveraging technology to streamline customer experience and dealership collaboration.
By strengthening relationships with manufacturers and dealerships, Karmo intends to ensure the integrity of vehicle brands within its offering while providing partners with transparent, technology-led options for inventory and fleet management.
Karmo was recently named a finalist in the 2024 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies awards in the Property, Construction, and Transportation category, underscoring ongoing efforts to enhance the car subscription experience for its customers and partners.
