Meet Our Head of IT & New IT Manager
Come with us behind the scenes at Lloyd Motor Group as we get to know two of our IT team members - Paul Burnett, our Head of IT, and Dan Gibson, our IT Manager as of July last year!
Paul and Dan both have very dynamic roles, working on our internal IT systems, developing software, leading our wider IT team, ensuring that all of our technological systems run smoothly, and much more. Read on to learn more about Paul and Dan, and their roles at Lloyd Motor Group!
Paul Burnett, Head of IT
Tell us a bit about your career here at Lloyd Motor Group and how you progressed to Head of IT.
"I’ve worked for Lloyd Motor Group for over 11 years now. Back in 2012, the business made the decision to develop their own IT systems. We started with a “blank canvas”, designing and coding every day, and within 6 months we started a pilot of the system at Newcastle MINI. Few people understood what we did, and some thought we were auditors.
"When the system went into pilot we didn’t have a name for it, but after some discussion we decided on iLloyd. Following the success of the pilot, the system was rolled out to all sites and is used by over 1000 staff today. I have now continued my journey in software development, writing websites, intranets and enhancing iLloyd into a business-critical frontline system".
Why did you want to work for Lloyd Motor Group?
"I’ve worked in the motor trade throughout my career, working for a number of large organisations. Software development has always been my passion, and when the opportunity came up to join a family-run business and develop IT systems from scratch, I jumped at the chance!!
What’s your favourite thing about your current role as Head of IT?
"I’ve always enjoyed IT from an early age. Technology evolves rapidly, and I love staying curious. Learning about AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, networking and more keeps me intellectually stimulated. I enjoy leading a talented team and working with other leaders in the business".
Talk us through a typical day in your role.
"Days are dynamic. As a Head of IT you must be multifaceted, combining technical expertise, leadership, and strategic vision. Adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential skills for success in this role. Each day can be different: working with the wider IT team, visiting sites, suppliers, and manufacturers".
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
"If you work hard you will succeed in life".
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
"Having three children, they keep me busy. I enjoy walking, football, snooker, film, cinema, theatre, and socialising with friends".
Tell us 2 truths and a lie about yourself!*
- "I’ve sailed a 72-foot yacht"
- "I’ve flown an aircraft"
- "I’ve had a hole in one in golf"
If you could invite 5 people to a dinner party, dead or alive, who would it be?
"Ridley Scott, Sid James, Ricky Tomlinson, Caroline Aherne and Roger Moore".
This or That?
- Dogs or Cats? - Cats
- Summer or Winter? - Summer
- Night Owl or Early Riser? – Early Riser
- Coffee or Tea? - Both
- City or Countryside? - Countryside
Dan Gibson, IT Manager
Tell us a bit about your career here at Lloyd Motor Group and your progression to IT Manager!
“I started as an IT Support Technician at Lloyd Motor Group when I was fresh faced and just out of university. It was my first job in IT, so I was keen to learn and begin my career in IT.
“Since then, the company has grown tremendously as we have since acquired the Kelso, Ripon and York Land Rover dealerships, South Lakes BMW and South Lakes KIA and Volvo sites. I was lucky enough to be promoted to IT Manager in July last year, which has been a challenging step up but one I’m really enjoying”.
Why did you want to work for Lloyd Motor Group?
“At the time, my uncle was one of the Corporate Sales Managers for the group and recommended I applied for the role. I’ll be honest, I was just looking to get my foot in the door in IT, but I knew Lloyd Motor Group were a big company so to get the job at the time was amazing. The rest, as they say, is history!”
What’s your favourite thing about your current role as IT Manager?
“I’d say the diversity in the role. IT has changed so much since I joined 13 years ago - in fact, I think it was much simpler then! No longer do you associate everyone working at a desk with a physical computer, screen, and monitor; everyone is mobile and can work from wherever they like, which was essential through the Covid pandemic. The buzz word now is all about Cyber Security and AI, which is exciting but frightening at the same time!”
Talk us through a typical day in your role.
“Every day is different. You sometimes don’t know what you’re going to walk into. But generally, it’s a mix between working with the rest of the team to support everyone and continuing to move things forward from an IT perspective”.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
“Good question. I’ve been given a lot of advice over the years but one that does stick with me that used to be in the Rosehill, is ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’”.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“My free time is all about my family. I have a 6-year-old daughter and an almost 2-year-old son. Between my partner and I, we lead very busy lives during the week, so we make sure we make the most of it on the weekends and try and get out for walks and keep them both active.
“I also like to keep fit. I unfortunately had to retire from playing football 4 years ago due to a serious knee injury which I do miss. However, prior to everyone jumping on the home gym bandwagon, I’d already begun the process and now keep fit by cycling, rowing and using the cross trainer in a cabin at the bottom of my garden”.
If you could invite 5 people to a dinner party, dead or alive, who would it be?
This or That?
- Vacation or staycation? Vacation
- Passenger or driver? Driver
- Phone call or text? Text
- Music or Podcasts? Music
- Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
At Lloyd Motor Group, we have over 1,300 people working with us across a variety of roles, departments and expertise. If you’d like to work with us, you can browse our current vacancies below.
BROWSE CURRENT VACANCIES
*Paul's lie is "I’ve had a hole in one in golf"!
