Inchcape today announces the appointment of Ian Burton as CEO of its Asia Pacific (APAC) regional business.
Ian, who will join the company on 01 August 2026, will undertake a comprehensive induction programme in his first two months, including meeting colleagues across all three of Inchcape’s regions, visiting operations and spending time with OEM partners.
During this time, and to ensure a seamless transition for colleagues and OEM partners, Phil Jenkins, currently CEO of APAC and Chief M&A Officer, will remain in role in APAC. On 01 October, Ian will formally take up the role of CEO of APAC, when, as was originally planned, Phil will return to the UK to continue his role as Chief M&A Officer, leading the Group’s mergers and acquisitions and integration agenda. Phil will continue to provide strategic advice to Ian through to the end of 2026.
Based in Singapore, Ian will be responsible for the region’s performance, strengthening relationships with OEM partners, and driving sustainable growth across its markets. He will work closely with market leadership teams to strengthen execution, improve efficiency and build a more resilient business across Inchcape’s Asia Pacific markets.
Ian will report directly to Duncan Tait, Group Chief Executive and sit on the Group Executive Team.
He brings over 30 years of international leadership experience across Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa, with a strong track record of leading business transformation and performance improvement across complex international markets, restoring growth, strengthening operational delivery and building high performing teams.
Most recently, he served as APAC President at Perfetti Van Melle, a global confectionery company. Prior to this, he spent more than 20 years with Mars, the global consumer goods and pet care business, where he held a number of senior regional and country leadership positions.
Duncan Tait, Inchcape Group Chief Executive, said, “Ian’s experience, customer focus and track record of leading high-performing teams, combined with his extensive experience across Asia Pacific, makes him well placed to lead our APAC regional business. I look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen performance and deliver value for our OEM partners, customers and colleagues.
“I would like to thank Phil for his leadership of the region over the last twelve months and through to the end of this year. He has made an important contribution to the business during this time, and I look forward to welcoming him back to his Group role to lead our M&A and integration agenda, a key pillar of Accelerate+ and our long-term growth strategy, in October."
Ian Burton, incoming CEO APAC, said “I am delighted to be joining Inchcape and to have the opportunity to lead its Asia Pacific business. The region offers great potential, underpinned by talented teams and long-standing relationships with OEM partners. I look forward to working with colleagues to strengthen operational performance, improve execution and build a more resilient regional business to deliver long term, sustainable growth."