15 October 2023

It’s with deep sadness that we report the passing of Fred Maguire, one of the giants of auto retailing and, until very recently, chairman of Auto Retail Network. Fred, who was 81, died in his native Northern Ireland on Friday.

Fred made his name in the industry as chief executive of Charles Hurst and moved to a similar role in Lookers in 1997 after the plc bought Hursts a year earlier. He served Lookers for 20 years building the group into a national supergroup, first as CEO and then as chairman before retiring in 2006.

Fred invested in Auto Retail Network from outset and was chairman at its launch, guiding the business through its formative years and to its current maturity. He stepped down recently due to ill  health but retained a lively interest.

Rupert Saunders, co-founder of ARN, said: “We have lost a close friend and amazing leader and mentor. Many in this industry will have benefited from Fred’s wisdom and encouragement and I am sure they join us in mourning his passing.”

Fred Maguire was a fiercely competitive businessman, famously fighting off a takeover challenge from rival Pendragon in 2005/6. But he was also a family man with a strong personal faith and deep belief in empowering his colleagues and others.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Rosemary, his children and his extended family. A full appreciation will appear in the next issue of Auto Retail Bulletin.

Those wishing to leave a sympathy notice can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/5emxbacc

Details of the funeral can also be found using the link.

Tags: Auto Retail Network, Fred Maguire, Lookers