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Meet Robert Mallison, the new SVP Finance at AUTO1 Group

13 July 2026

After nearly eight years with AUTO1 Group, Robert Mallison has stepped into the role of SVP Finance - a promotion that marks both recognition of his achievements and a new chapter for the company’s finance team. And what does it take to steer the financial direction of Europe’s leading digital automotive platform for buying, selling, and financing used cars? For Robert, it’s not only about numbers but also about building strong teams, driving transformation, and fostering a culture that values speed and collaboration.

From Consultant to Finance Leader
When Robert joined AUTO1 Group in October 2018, he brought a wealth of experience from his years as an auditor and tax advisor. “Before that, I had spent my career auditing and consulting companies rather than building one,” he recalls. The move marked a shift from giving external advice to taking on hands-on leadership in a fast-moving environment.

One of his first major missions was leading the finance function through preparations for the company’s IPO. “IPO windows open and close quickly, and you have to be prepared when the moment comes, which was exactly the case for us,” Robert says. Post-listing, his focus shifted to advancing internal systems and processes to meet public company standards, all while supporting the organisation’s continued expansion.

He credits the finance team itself as a key strength throughout this journey. “We’ve built a robust finance organisation and kept pace with the company’s growth - essentially with nearly the same team size for the past four years, which I’m quite proud of.”

Elevating Finance for the Next Chapter
With the promotion to SVP Finance, Robert’s attention is sharply focused on the future. His top priorities are clear: “First, optimising all finance functions to a top-of-market standard. Second, implementing AI in the best possible way across every one of our departments. And third, being a truly proactive department that actively supports our operational teams rather than just reporting on and to them.”

His vision is to transform Finance into a strategic partner for the business so that it’s not only efficient and data-driven but also an enabler of AUTO1 Group’s growth and operational excellence.

Anchored by People and Shared Purpose
For Robert, the achievements he’s most proud of are rooted in teamwork. “Having great colleagues around me is what makes me come to work with joy every day,” he shares. The IPO remains a career highlight, not just for its business impact of providing the financial stability to navigate the years that followed, but also for the sense of collective accomplishment it inspired. “We achieved the IPO during the COVID-19 lockdown, working entirely remotely for the first time, which is a huge achievement in itself.”

A principle that still guides him: “Work with the best, because they make you better every day.”

Driving Culture Through Speed and Service
One aspect of AUTO1 Group’s culture that has profoundly shaped Robert’s leadership is its speed. “Changes don’t take long here. Decisions are made and executed quickly. Combined with full commitment to what we do, that’s a culture I’ve come to really value.”

Despite often operating behind the scenes, Robert is passionate about making the finance team’s impact felt across the company. “I always tell my team: we are a service department for every other department in the company,” he explains. For functions such as Payroll and Cash Management, smooth operations can mean their work happens quietly in the background. “Sometimes, no news is good news,” Robert adds, “but I make sure the achievements behind that silence are recognised internally.”

Looking Forward
What’s next for Finance at AUTO1 Group? “My vision is to further transform Finance into a proactive, data-driven, and highly efficient strategic partner to the business,” Robert states. “We want to build a best-in-class finance department by driving innovation, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring financial resilience at all times.”

Want to shape the future of automotive with us? Explore our careers page and discover how you can be part of a diverse and ambitious team. We welcome applicants of all genders, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to apply.