Unipart founder John Neill to retire after more than 50 years behind the wheel

The boss of British logistics giant Unipart has announced plans to retire after more than 50 years.

Chief Executive John Neill is to step down this month after five decades at the helm of a company that began as a unit of British Leyland.

Industry figures paid tribute to “one of the great British industrialists” and a “legendary figure in the UK manufacturing industry”. Neill, 77, said he planned to spend more time with his family.

The board said the businessman “has dedicated his life to creating an iconic British business” and will step down when Unipart celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Neill began working for the now defunct British Leyland (once the UK’s largest car manufacturer) in 1974.

He became general manager of the spare parts division at just 29 years old, making him one of its youngest executives.

The division was in “terminal decline” when he joined, Neill said yesterday, as its parent company was plagued by low productivity and strikes.

In 1987, he carried out a management buyout of the Unipart business, a feat he described as achieving “something practically impossible”.

The father of two took on the role of chief executive before becoming executive chairman in 2022.

Although British Leyland no longer exists, Unipart has more than 12,000 employees and offers logistics and supply chain services in 21 countries.

Last year, the Oxford firm’s revenues exceeded £1bn for the first time.

Unipart director Bryan Jackson said: ‘Frankly, it would be incredibly difficult to replace John’s role as CEO.

Simply put, how do you follow someone who has dedicated his entire life to creating an iconic British company with its unique spirit?

David Bailey, a professor at Birmingham Business School and an expert on the automotive industry, said: “It’s the end of an era – he’s a truly legendary figure in the UK manufacturing industry.”

Without Neill’s influence, Bailey said he was “not sure[the UK car industry]would have survived”.

Stephen Phipson, chief executive of industry group Make UK, said: “John is one of Britain’s great industrialists. I have no doubt he will remain a great friend and supporter of our industry for years to come.”

Former Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer said his “achievements will remain unrivalled”.

Neill, who will remain Unipart’s largest shareholder, informed the board in May of his plans to retire.

He said yesterday that the job has been “one of the greatest honors” of his life.

The industry veteran, who was born in South Africa and educated in Scotland, said the time was right for him to leave and spend more time with his family.

He will step down from his daily responsibilities at the end of August and continue to support the business until the end of November.

A new non-executive chairman role will be created to replace Neill, while Darren Leigh will remain as chief executive.