Ruth McMenamin has been appointed as group marketing manager at Wessex Garages, the Bristol-based car dealership group.
In her new position, Ruth, pictured, will be responsible for managing the award-winning group’s eight-strong digital-focused marketing team. 
Privately owned Wessex Garages sells new and used cars from outlets in Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and Newport.
Ruth previously worked as marketing manager at FoodBev Media, the Bath-based media company for the global food and beverage industry.
At FoodBev she managed a team of three people and was responsible for events across Europe, award schemes, marketing and distribution of content via the web, four magazines and social media and contract social media.
Ruth began her career in Sydney for the University of New South Wales, marketing intellectual property for health care technology. While there she also completed several internships including working for the British Council, the National Highway Authority and Ministry of Finance in Delhi.
Wessex Garages managing director Keith Brock said: “This is Ruth’s first role in the motor industry and we chose her for the position because we wanted a fresh outlook and approach and therefore wanted someone from outside our sector.
“Often companies repeat what they have been doing previously without any consideration for the changes in consumer behaviour. One of the key goals for us is to think like a consumer and not as a motor trade professional. We’re very excited to see what marketing ideas Ruth will bring to the table.”
Ruth added: “I was particularly excited to work for Wessex Garages because of its dedication to innovative, revolutionary marketing and providing customers with excellent service.
“Working in one of the first car dealerships to adopt rich media as part of their core marketing strategy with a focus on providing a customer with informative, helpful and detailed information before they enter the showroom is exciting for any marketing manager.
“I am looking forward to contributing to Wessex Garages’ continued vision of being not only the leading dealer in the country but also spreading its innovative marketing ideas across the globe to improve the customer experience for all automotive customers.”
