29 March 2017

AUTO TRADER GROUP PLC

APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Auto Trader Group plc (LSE: AUTO, "Auto Trader" or the "Company") the UK's largest digital automotive marketplace, is pleased to announce that Nathan Coe has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Company. He will join the Board from 1 April 2017.

Nathan joined Auto Trader in 2007 to oversee the transition from a magazine business to being a pure digital company. He was responsible for launching a number of new business areas, and led the company's early entry and subsequent growth in mobile and online. For the past two years, Nathan has been the joint Operations Director, sharing responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the business.

Prior to joining Auto Trader, Nathan was at Telstra, Australia's leading telecommunications company, where he led Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Development for its media and internet businesses. He was previously a consultant at PwC, having graduated from the University of Sydney with a B.Com. (Hons).

Commenting on the appointment, Ed Williams, Chairman of Auto Trader, said:

"On behalf of the whole Board I would like to congratulate Nathan on his appointment as COO, and welcome him to the Board.  Nathan has been central in shaping Auto Trader into one of the UK's leading digital businesses, and the creation of the Board level role of COO reflects our confidence in his abilities and strong leadership qualities."

Nathan Coe commented:

"After almost ten years at Auto Trader, I am delighted to be joining the Board. I am very proud of what the business and our people have achieved and am excited to work with the Board and the wider leadership team to help shape the next phase of Auto Trader's journey."

Following Nathan's appointment, the Board will comprise three Independent Non-Executive Directors, three Executive Directors and the Non-Executive Chairman.  The composition of the Board is therefore compliant with the provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code that at least half the Board (excluding the Chairman) should be independent.

Nathan's service contract, remuneration and benefits will be consistent with Auto Trader's Directors' Remuneration Policy as approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM, and the details of his remuneration package will be included in the 2017 Annual Report which will be published in June 2017. There are no disclosures required in respect of this appointment under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

Enquiries: 

About Auto Trader

Auto Trader Group plc is the UK and Ireland's largest digital automotive marketplace. Auto Trader sits at the heart of the UK's vehicle buying process and its primary activity is to help vehicle retailers compete effectively on the marketplace in order to sell more vehicles, faster. Auto Trader listed on the London Stock Exchange in March 2015 and is now a member of the FTSE 250 Index. 

The marketplace brings together the largest and most engaged consumer audience. Auto Trader has over 90% prompted brand awareness and attracts circa 60 million monthly cross platform visits each month, with circa 70% of visits coming through mobile devices. 

The marketplace also has the largest pool of vehicle sellers (listing more than 430,000 cars each day). Over 80% of UK automotive retailers advertise on autotrader.co.uk.

For more information, please visit http://about-us.autotrader.co.uk