MEET THE OPTEVEN TEAM – CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
Here, we interview Donna Cloke, Corporate Development Manager and Lizzy Pocock, Corporate Account Executive, to discuss their roles at Opteven, why female representation is important within the industry and how they see their roles developing in the coming years.
What does your role entail and who do you work with?
DC: Lizzy and I are responsible for the relationship of our 11 strategic corporate partners, which are based in the UK and Ireland. These tend to be either warranty or roadside assistance clients. We are responsible for the commercial, development or cross sell opportunities within these arrangements and act as their key ambassador within Opteven.
LP: We also have a brief to seek new business opportunities. Part of our strategic growth plan is to continue to increase our client portfolio and footprint in the corporate space, both in the UK and in Europe. We know that there are many customers that we could be working with and supporting and believe there is plenty of opportunity. Shortly after joining I onboarded a new corporate roadside assistance partner – which was exciting to get my teeth into!
What do you like most about your role?
LP: I like the fact that we get to interact with so many different people, day-to-day, across the entire UK team, as well as the Opteven team in Lyon and all our clients. I only started with the company six months ago, and I have already met so many people – it’s been crazy.
DC:I find developing solutions to resolve clients’ issues really rewarding. As a company, we pride ourselves on the fact that we foster long-term partnerships with our customers, as we haven’t lost a customer in 20 years. I enjoy going on that journey with them, and developing a partnership that is equally rewarding for both parties.
What did you do before you got your current role with Opteven?
LP: Prior to joining Opteven six months ago, I was in a management role in retail. This involved managing a small to medium sized team and the running of a shop – so it was quite different to what I do now. However, interacting with customers and establishing relationships is a key similarity, and skills that definitely help me with my role today.
DC: I have been in the automotive industry for over 30 years. I have always been in the corporate infrastructure side of the businesses. I have either looked after existing clients or been responsible for seeking new business opportunities, so I feel very much at home in my role here at Opteven!
What challenges do you face on a day-to-day basis?
LP: I think we sometimes miss opportunities because our corporate partnerships are our best kept secret! Many of our customers white label our product, so it’s hard to get our name out there and share the great work we are doing for our partners.
Do you think it is important for there to be female representation in this industry?
DC: Definitely. I have been in the industry for a long time, and it has always been a traditionally male environment; but that has changed in recent years – as it has in many industries – which is great. When I think about our customers and our points of contact, a lot of them are female which is fantastic and great to see. Evolution has happened, which is really positive, and I think it is fundamental to have that mix in any sector.
What was your first car and what do you drive now?
LP: My first car was a Vauxhall Corsa and now I drive a Ford Fiesta.
DC: My first car was a Triumph Dolomite, which was bright mustard yellow with a walnut dashboard, and it only cost me £500! I have recently got a new car, which is a CUPRA Formentor.