Harris Group, the UK and Ireland’s largest and longest-established commercial vehicle importer and distributor, has appointed Paul O’Malley as Head of Communications as it accelerates growth across multiple vehicle sectors.
The strategic appointment strengthens the group’s leadership capability at a time of significant expansion and investment across its brand portfolio in both markets.
In his new role, Paul will lead a fully integrated communications strategy across the Harris Group portfolio, including MAXUS light commercial vehicles, Isuzu pickups and trucks in Ireland, and HIGER buses and coaches in the UK.
Working within the group’s wider marketing function under Head of Marketing Andrew Dickinson, he will align communications activity with Harris Group’s broader commercial and brand strategies, ensuring consistent messaging and clear market positioning across all sectors.
O’Malley brings 30 years of experience in the commercial vehicle and transport industries, combining deep sector insight with a strong track record in strategic communications and media engagement.
He joins Harris Group following senior MarComms roles at agency level, most recently working with DAF Trucks. There, he managed trade media relations, delivered high-impact product and customer communications, and played a central role in major vehicle launches and long-term brand positioning initiatives.
Drawing on extensive experience across the truck, bus and coach sectors – and the specialist media that serve them – O’Malley will lead communications through a period of portfolio expansion and market evolution. His remit includes designing and delivering targeted strategies to support growth objectives, sharpen brand positioning and strengthen engagement with customers, dealers and stakeholders.
Supporting ambitious growth
Commenting on the appointment, Andrew Dickinson said, “Paul’s appointment is a significant step in our ongoing development. His depth of sector experience, combined with a proven ability to build brand visibility and manage communications programmes, makes him ideally suited to lead our comms function as the business enters its next growth phase. His understanding of the transport media ensures our messaging will remain relevant, credible and firmly customer focused.”
Managing Director Brian Patterson added, “We’re delighted to have Paul on board. His breadth of knowledge across the transport sector, including bus and coach, will prove a valuable asset as we refocus and ramp-up our communications activities.”
O’Malley said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Harris Group at such an exciting time in the company’s growth. There is strong momentum across the business; MAXUS continues to grow strongly in both the electric- and diesel-powered LCV sectors, Isuzu is further consolidating its market position in Ireland, and HIGER is poised to make a major impact in the bus and coach sector, backed by an ambitious product strategy, a comprehensive dealer network and clear long-term intent.”
Expanding footprint across UK and Ireland
The appointment comes as Harris Group accelerates structural and operational enhancements across the business. Recent developments include the expansion of the MAXUS dealer network to 91 locations across the UK and Ireland, alongside significant progress for Harris Bus & Coach, with new HIGER products entering the UK and Ireland markets and continued investment in a new UK-wide dealer network.
Founded in 1966 by the late Robert ‘Pino’ Harris, Harris Group has grown to become Ireland’s largest importer and distributor of commercial vehicles, operating a global supply chain and pan-European customer base, underpinned by a focus on technological innovation, integrity and sustainable motoring.
