SEAT UK has bolstered its fleet department with the appointment of two new members to its team.
Steven Colborne-Baber, a former Area Fleet Manager for sister brand, Volkswagen, joins this week as Southern Contact Hire and Leasing Manager.
Alongside Steven, Lerato Barrett will be moving to SEAT in a new role as Fleet Development Manager, having most recently worked as an Area Fleet Manager for another sister brand, ŠKODA.
Steven’s appointment will strengthen the sporty Spanish brand’s relationships with leading southern leasing firms including Arval, Leaseplan and ALD. While Lerato, who will be based at SEAT’s Milton Keynes headquarters, will help to ensure the brand continues to deliver on its fleet objectives. SEAT is aiming to increase volume growth in true fleet channels.
Colborne-Baber’s transition to SEAT follows 10 years of experience at Volkswagen, where he started as an Area Sales Manager. Progressing to the position of Area Fleet Manager, his experience of the automotive industry also includes a period at ŠKODA, having recently completed a secondment in its fleet team which provided a high level of insight in Contract Hire.
Similarly, Barrett has also worked with ŠKODA, most recently as Area Fleet Manager. Her knowledge of fleet management also incorporates a three-year stint at Hitachi Capital Car Solutions as Manufacturer Relations Account Manager.
Steven said, “I’m very much looking forward to working with SEAT. It is completely unique as an automotive brand, offering Spanish style across a great range of affordable and desirable cars with German substance. I am proud to represent the brand in front of some of the most influential leasing companies in the UK, and delighted to have an exciting portfolio of vehicles to work with.”
Lerato added, “Joining the Spanish subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group in a new role feels like a real feather in my cap. I am ready to take on the freshly created role and bring my knowledge of various automotive brands at different levels to SEAT. The mix of sportiness and fun in a fleet setting is something I’m eager to experience.”
Steven started on 3rd August and Lerato joins the company on 31st August. Steven will split his time between SEAT’s headquarters in Milton Keynes and leasing companies in the South of England, while Lerato will be based predominantly at head office.
Married with two children, Steven enjoys spending time with his family and has a keen interest in watching and competing in motorsport, as well as coaching rugby at Milton Keynes Rugby Club.
Lerato, originally from South Africa, enjoys using her weekends to watch live music, socialise with friends and participate in fitness activities.
