Brad Hazelden and George Leigh Take Senior Oak Tyres Roles

Oak Tyres has promoted Brad Hazelden and George Leigh into senior operational roles as the independent tyre wholesaler expands its UK distribution network. Hazelden becomes Site Operations Manager at the company’s high-volume Haydock depot, while Leigh moves into a regional position overseeing operational standards, systems and support across multiple locations.

Leadership changes support a larger network

The appointments place experienced internal managers in roles directly linked to depot performance and network consistency.

‍

‍

Hazelden joined Oak Tyres almost seven years ago through an Operations Support position. He has since worked across several parts of the company’s logistics operation.

He became a Site Operations Manager when Oak opened its second Haydock facility in 2022. He later moved to the Warrington depot in May 2025, following its addition to the business.

Hazelden will now manage operations at Oak’s busiest UK depot in Haydock. His responsibilities include resource planning, warehouse efficiency and maintaining service levels during periods of high demand.

“Every day poses new challenges and opportunities to learn and develop,” Hazelden said. “I’ve been able to work across different parts of the company and see the distinct challenges each depot faces.”

‍

‍

Leigh joined Oak Tyres in Operations Support eight years ago. He later progressed to Site Operations Manager at the original Haydock warehouse.

As Regional Operations Manager, he will oversee existing depots and support the implementation of common operating standards across the network.

The role will also cover cross-depot support and information technology implementation. These areas become more important as a wholesaler adds locations, stock capacity and delivery routes.

“No two days are the same in operations,” Leigh said. “What’s been most rewarding is developing through the company and covering all sites.”

He added that experience across the network had given him a broader understanding of how individual depots operate.

People management and decision-making

Both managers identified people leadership and decision-making under pressure as central parts of depot management.

Hazelden said effective operations require managers to assess problems carefully and make the best use of available resources. He also highlighted resilience when handling unexpected operational pressures.

Leigh said different employees respond to different management approaches. Understanding those differences, he explained, has helped him improve team performance.

Their experience reflects the demands placed on wholesale operations teams. Stock accuracy, vehicle scheduling, warehouse capacity and staff availability can all affect service to tyre dealers.

Supporting Oak’s expansion

The promotions come as Oak increases the scale and reach of its distribution business.

Tyre News recently reported that Oak Group Holdings plans to add a 250,000-tyre warehouse in Newport. The site will become its first warehouse in Wales and provide access to the M4 and M5 corridors.

Oak has also completed its acquisition of Exhaust, Tyres and Batteries, extending its presence across wholesale distribution and tyre retail. The transaction added operations across Wales, the Midlands and south-west England.

That growth increases the need for consistent processes between sites. It also places greater emphasis on managers who understand local depot requirements and wider network priorities.

Peter Cross, Commercial Director at Oak Tyres, said the appointments reflected the company’s approach to developing internal talent.

“Brad and George are great examples of what’s possible when you combine ambition, hard work and a genuine commitment to learning and development,” he said.

For the tyre trade, the appointments are significant because Oak’s expansion depends on more than warehouse capacity. Operational leadership will influence stock availability, delivery performance and service consistency as the network grows.

‍

‍

Tagged with: Oak Tyres, Brad Hazelden, George Leigh, tyre wholesale, tyre distribution, depot management, warehouse operations, tyre logistics, staff development, supply chain, Haydock depot, UK tyre trade

‍