Carly, the Australian car subscription service, has appointed Ben Hershman as its chief operating officer (COO). 

As COO, Hershman will be responsible for leading the sales, operations, and product teams to expand the demand for consumer and business car subscriptions and deliver new revenue channels for automotive dealers, manufacturers, and fleet managers. 

Hershman joins the Carly team with more than 25 years’ experience across the automotive industry, having most recently worked as a director within the Deloitte Motor Industry Services team where he specialised in dealership and distributor consulting across Australasia. Throughout 2016 and 2017, Hershman worked for Automotive Holdings Group AHG as a customer engagement and business consultant, developing and implementing strategies to support dealership growth. 

Hershman joined Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) for the second time in early 2014 as general manager of group retail development, overseeing the dealer networks of its Volkswagen and ŠKODA brands. Hershman's first stint with VGA was with its commercial vehicles division from late 2001 as a dealership area manager, before stepping up to national fleet and government manager. 

Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) was Hershman’s home for almost a decade, where he started as product planning manager before taking responsibility for PR and events. Ben's last role with HMCA was senior regional sales manager for the eastern region. 

Hershman began his automotive career at Ford Motor Company in the United Kingdom in 1994, covering a number of engineering development and production roles. 

“Ben brings strategic experience and operational understanding of the automotive industry that will drive Carly’s bold vision," Carly’s Chris Noone said in a statement. "With his unparalleled focus on customer experience, Ben will play an integral role in evolving our business to meet the changing needs and demands of Australian businesses and car drivers.