Friend of WGMW Karen Parry now heads up the communications for AUTOVIA, the UK’s number one automotive content and commerce growth business.
Karen brings with her over 30 years of automotive experience and joins Autovia from a 12-month contract as Head of Communications at the SMMT. Previously she has worked in-house for Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, Volvo, Ford and SEAT, and has also run her own consultancy.
She will lead Autovia’s Communications and PR activities in the UK as the company grows its content-to-commerce business. Autovia comprises leading automotive media brands Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, evo, Carthrottle and Octane, as well as the research and insights brand Driver Power, plus online automotive retailer BuyaCar.
Nicola Bates, CEO Automotive Media at Autovia, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Karen to the Autovia team. Karen is one of the best and most respected communications people in the automotive industry and will help our brands and teams of experts – already some of the most trusted in the UK – reach an even broader audience.”
Speaking about her appointment, Karen said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Autovia at such an exciting time for the business. I’m hugely passionate about the automotive sector, its importance to the UK economy and the crucial role mobility plays for us all. As the industry moves to electric power, there’s an increased requirement to help consumers understand the journey ahead – Autovia is perfectly positioned to do that”.
Holding on: Karen (right) and Janet Mills regularly kept their hands in touch with the latest cars at thewesterngroup PR Driving Day, and this shot was from 2001.
Robin is the longest serving chairman of The Western Group. He's been vice chairman or chairman for over ten years and oversees the annual Western Group PR Driving Day each summer assisted by the group committee and supported by group members.
He contributes to a number of outlets in Wales and the UK, including the Driving Force editorial syndication agency feeding the biggest regional news and feature publishers in Britain.
Robin specialises in the Welsh automotive sector and motor related businesses with interests in Wales and publishes WheelsWithinWales.uk which covers news, features, trade and motor sport in Wales.
