Auto Trader CEO who led stock market float to retire next year

Chairman Ed Williams said: “Trevor has made a phenomenal contribution to Auto Trader’s success over the last six years.

“In addition to leading the hugely successful IPO, he has overseen a period of consistently strong financial results and shareholder returns whilst also working tirelessly to build a unique and values-led culture.

“The fact that we are able to promote from within to replace him, as well as the other senior roles around him, is clear testament to the strength of the team that he has developed and nurtured.”

Mather said his period at the helm had been “the greatest privilege of my career”.

Originally joining from Thoughtworks in 2013, Mather took the top job at Auto Trader when it was co-owned by Guardian Media Group (GMG) and buy-out firm Apax.

The Sunday Times reported in 2016 that he had at that point earned a windfall totalling £80million from the company.

In November, it released its half year figures showing a 9% rise in profits to £114.5m and a 7% increase in revenue, to £176.8m.