Penny Brooks
Penny is a highly experienced commercial vehicle industry professional, with 20 years’ experience, in the fleet truck, van and passenger transport sectors. Prior to joining SmartDrive in 2015, she was 15 years with Renault Trucks, lastly as Marketing and Communications Director for UK and Ireland. Penny is well known for her active participation in the CV industry, having developed a deep understanding of both OEM and operational fleet requirements. She served for four years as the Chair of the CV Group at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and was appointed its first-ever female executive committee member.
What do you do at SmartDrive?
Head up the EMEA team across all areas of its activity. Working alongside our knowledgeable and dedicated team to continue to grow our customer base through new customer acquisition and to ensure exceptional service is delivered to our existing clients.
Describe your job in 3 words:
Results driven leadership.
What is something fleet owners have to deal with that you want to fix?
Reducing work related road risk through improving risky driving behaviour in a positive and proactive manner. Cutting costs, adding profit to bottom lines and ultimately, saving lives.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position?
I’ve been working in the commercial vehicle industry for over 20 years. Formerly with a truck and van OEM, as a senior board director for the UK and Ireland. I’ve built up both a significant knowledge of the industry and a substantial network of connections, that help me understand the challenges our customers and prospects face and to work with the team to offer effective solutions.
What do you like about working at SmartDrive?
The great team of people, both within EMEA and at our San Diego based HQ. We are all working to the same goal, in a fast-paced, rapidly growing technology space – which is very exciting and motivating.
Your top favourite Movies/Books?
Shawshank Redemption [movie], Pretty Woman [movie], The Handmaid’s Tale [book]
Favourite quote:
‘Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.’ Tony Robbins
Tell us something we don’t know about you:
I’m a great cook…(or so I’m told!). It’s how I like to relax.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Keeping fit. Holidays in remote country cottages with my husband and dogs. Being ‘Nanny’ to my lovely grandson.
