Centeca, the new name for Evolution Funding Group, has appointed Oliver Northam as Head of AI Strategy & Enablement as it looks to accelerate the practical use of artificial intelligence across automotive commerce.
The newly created Group-wide role will focus on how AI can address real challenges and unlock new opportunities across the vehicle buying and financing journey. This includes helping retailers operate more effectively, creating better experiences for consumers, supporting more informed decision-making and strengthening the management of risk and compliance.
The appointment follows the recent launch of Click Dealer’s ChatGPT app, developed using Evolution Funding technology. The initiative enables consumers to search for vehicles through ChatGPT before connecting them directly with the supplying dealer, rather than directing them into a third-party marketplace.
It demonstrates how Centeca can combine expertise from across its automotive finance and technology businesses to respond to changing consumer behaviour and create new ways for retailers to connect with potential customers.
Northam moves into the position from his role as Head of Engineering at Evolution Funding, Centeca’s motor finance platform. Since joining Evolution Funding in 2022, he has played a central role in the modernisation of its technology, progressing from Development Manager to Head of Engineering.
With more than 15 years’ experience in technology and engineering, Northam brings a strong understanding of complex digital platforms, regulated markets and the practical application of emerging technology. In his new role, he will work across Centeca and its businesses to identify where AI can deliver the greatest value and turn promising ideas into scalable products, services and ways of working.
Paul Saggar, Chief Innovation Officer at Centeca, said:
“AI is already beginning to influence how consumers find, buy and finance vehicles, presenting significant opportunities for businesses across the automotive industry.
“Centeca sits at the centre of that journey, connecting retailers, lenders, technology providers and consumers. That gives us both a broad view of the challenges facing the market and the combined capabilities to develop solutions that make a meaningful difference.
“The launch of the Click Dealer ChatGPT app is an early example of what that collaboration can achieve. Oli’s appointment will help us build on this momentum, identify where AI can create the greatest value and ensure our approach remains responsible, commercially focused and grounded in the needs of the industry.
“His engineering expertise, strategic thinking and deep understanding of our platform make him ideally placed to lead the next stage of our AI strategy.”
Oliver Northam, Head of AI Strategy & Enablement at Centeca, said:
“AI presents a significant opportunity to improve the experience of buying and financing a vehicle, while helping the businesses supporting that journey operate more effectively.
“The real value will come from applying the technology to genuine industry challenges rather than treating AI as an end in itself. My focus will be on working with colleagues, retailers, lenders and partners to understand those challenges and turn the strongest opportunities into practical outcomes.
“We already have considerable expertise, insight and technology across Centeca. This role will help connect those capabilities and translate them into solutions that deliver meaningful value for the automotive industry and the customers it serves.”
