CAP has appointed Matt Thompson as marketing director to help spearhead its drive for accelerated growth.

Thompson is the latest in a series of key appointments signalling CAP's growth ambitions, since the business was acquired in May by one of Europe's top flight investment specialists, Montagu Private Equity.

With 25 years' experience in the automotive sector, Thompson joins CAP from Trader Media Group, publisher of Auto Trader. There, as group marketing director, he led TMG's marketing strategy to transform the Auto Trader digital operation into a market-leading digital beacon brand.

Prior to his 13 years at TMG, Thompson held a series of senior marketing positions with leading automotive specialists, including ERF Ltd, National Tyres & Autocare, Perkins Engines and Lucas Automotive.

"Matt Thompson is a rare beast in our industry, in that he combines an industry-wide wealth of knowledge with a fantastic track record on growth and the kind of strategic vision that CAP needs to realise its own accelerated growth ambitions," said CAP ceo Ian Rendle.

"Real expertise at every level of our business is the cornerstone of CAP's success.  We are delighted that Matt is as excited by our growth vision as we are and will bring all his experience, knowledge and skills to bear on carrying those plans to fruition."

Thompson said: "CAP is a brand I have known all my working life. There has never been a more exciting time to get on board with an energetic, enthusiastic management team determined to deliver on the quality, innovation, expertise and customer trust that will bring us transformational growth."