Jonathan Stretton

COO | Regional Director | Automotive | OEM | Retail | APAC | China | Middle East | Europe | Commercial | NetDev | Sales & Marketing | Legal & Finance | Strategy | Management Consultant

United Arab Emirates

About

International C-Suite Executive with an extensive track record driving large-scale, multi-market commercial operations across APAC, Europe, the Middle East, and the UK. Proven capability executing operational transformations, scaling multi-vertical business models, and instilling rigorous governance, P&L ownership, and financial discipline within high-growth, start-up, and turnaround environments. Recognized for combining strategic vision with disciplined execution across culturally diverse markets. Experienced board-level partner to founders, investors, and global leadership teams, delivering sustainable international expansion anchored by early foundations in tier-one management consultancy. Core Competencies: Global P&L Management ($2B+ Scale) | International Distribution & Retail Operations | Network Development & Market Entry | Aftersales Strategy & Supply Chain | Joint Venture & Board Governance | Business Turnaround & Restructuring | Cross-Functional Leadership

Experience

  • Chief Operating Officer at Legend Holding Group
    Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    Executive leadership of diversified $2bn international holding group across automotive, mobility, energy, travel and media sectors. Full operational and P&L oversight across multi-market business units with global commercial reach. Driving governance, performance alignment, shared service optimisation and scalable growth across the Group.

  • Group Lotus (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
    • President & CEO
      Dec 2024 - Nov 2025 · 1 yr

      Full responsibility across 19 markets and 60+ retail/aftersales outlets, leading teams across regional offices in Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo. Member of Global Executive Committee contributing to product, distribution and commercial strategy. Led network expansion, regional restructuring and new market entry across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

    • Director - Network Development - Europe, Asia Pacific & Middle East
      Dec 2023 - Dec 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Led distribution strategy across 51 markets and 100+ retail locations. Directed transition from D2C agency to wholesale franchise model, including network restructuring and OEM retail optimisation. Drove market expansion, facility rollout and implementation of new global corporate identity standards. Strengthened partner performance frameworks aligned to global growth objectives.

    • Director of Network Development - Asia Pacific & Middle East
      Sep 2021 - Dec 2023 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      Established OEM operations across 19 markets as part of founding regional leadership team. Led importer transitions, new market entry and large-scale retail development across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Directed development of 30+ new sales and aftersales facilities across major regional capitals. Implemented regional EV infrastructure and charging ecosystem strategy.

  • Regional Director at AJ Automotive & LCME
    Sep 2012 - Sep 2021 · 9 yrs 1 mo

    Regional Director with full P&L responsibility for independent automotive retail and distribution business. Established MENA dealer network from ground zero as official OEM importer and distributor. Directed UAE retail, aftersales and commercial performance across group-owned facilities

  • Head of Global Network Development at Lotus Cars
    Apr 2010 - Sep 2011 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Brought in as part of new senior management team responsible for the global re-launch of the Lotus brand. General Manager responsible for Global Network Development – tasked with defining & implementing new sales & aftersales network facility requirements and Dealer & Authorised Repairer standards, and a new global distributor and dealer network.

  • General Manager at PCA
    Feb 2006 - Apr 2010 · 4 yrs 3 mos

    Appointed to turnaround underperforming Australian importer facing declining sales and excess inventory. Restructured national dealer network and reset pricing and incentive strategy. Delivered 91% year-on-year retail growth in second full year, achieving record volumes despite ageing product range. Completed turnaround ahead of plan and supported transition to new importer.