Tuesday 22nd July 2014

James Drake joins PH

Well, someone had to step into Garlick's brogues

---

As we prepare to bid farewell to a legend of our community we welcome with open arms our brand new Community and Marketing Manager, Mr James Drake.

For weeks now powerfully built company executives have been weeping into their finely woven silk hankies as they lament the impending departure of Paul Garlick from the PistonHeads family. Well, every cloud has a silver lining and all that, and as such we're pleased to be welcoming James, who joins us as our Community and Marketing Manager.

He's smiling now...

James joins us from Caterham, where he was Marketing Manager for nearly eight years - during which he gained an extremely broad spread of experience as the brand went through seismic change and growth. A passionate car enthusiast, James is happiest trawling through the classifieds searching for his next N+1 purchase (or alternatively planning the road trip or track day that first necessitated the N+1). James is also a passionate mountain biker and ale drinker and given half a chance he will discuss either subject at length!

James' main remit is to build a larger, happier and more involved community through the development of new events, products and services that add value to PistonHeads members. Over the coming weeks and months many of you will get to know James both online through the forums and at events, so if you see him be sure to say hello.

We're sure that you'll join us in wishing James the best of luck in his new role.

[Fishy Dave]

Welcome James, lots of Caterham content to enjoy then?

[louismchuge]

Bikes, beer and cars. What's not to like?

[Wouldloveacsl]

Good luck in your new role!

[Impasse]

Isn't the new boy supposed to bring cake?

[Jayfish]

Does he dress like an escapee from toad of toad hall?

[madbadger]

Jayfish said:

Does he dress like an escapee from toad of toad hall?

[ewenm]

Always good to have more 7ers on board

[JD PH]

Jayfish said:

Does he dress like an escapee from toad of toad hall?

Guilty as charged... but that was only once and it was for a bet.

[thespannerman]

Good luck! So very jealous, what I'd do for a job at PH!

[JD PH]

thespannerman said:

Good luck! So very jealous, what I'd do for a job at PH!

Go on...

[Pixelpeep]

Welcome. Now, go read every thread in 'website feedback' and implement what you can. Quickly !

[ezi]

Welcome!

[mrtwisty]

JD PH said:

thespannerman said:

Good luck! So very jealous, what I'd do for a job at PH!

Go on...

Christ, he's getting kinky early on isn't he...

Welcome to the community James.

(Has anyone brought him up to speed on custard, vbrj,frozen sausages etc?)

[VladD]

JD PH said:

thespannerman said:

Good luck! So very jealous, what I'd do for a job at PH!

Go on...

I like you already.

[TimLambert7]

Good luck in the new role.

Pistonheads is a very interesting brand and I imagine it'll be good fun taking the helm. Garlick clearly did a fantastic job and I'm sure I speak for us all when I say I'm keen to hear your plans.

Do you have a rough 'manifesto' of ideas you could share with us?

I hope you've raided the Marks and Spencers sale aisle for lurid coloured chinos to wear to PH events.

[BoxsterEtype]

Welcome James: Bigger Community? My suggestion is a PH Junior Slot for the 16-18 year olds. Be great to see the youth getting off on the right track. You could organise loads of events on weekdays for the student types to fit in with their engineering courses. Discounted entries to Shows, Rallies and Events. Junior Trackdays? Novice training events? The ideas go on and on.

Great to have you along.,

[anniesdad]

Welcome and good luck!

He likes 7's, MTB's and ale...he'll do for me.

[Imafreeman]

James' main remit is to build a larger, happier and more involved community through the development of new events, products and services that add value to PistonHeads members.

Marketing speak for trying to sell you stuff.

Welcome

[TimLambert7]

BoxsterEtype said:

Welcome James: Bigger Community? My suggestion is a PH Junior Slot for the 16-18 year olds. Be great to see the youth getting off on the right track. You could organise loads of events on weekdays for the student types to fit in with their engineering courses. Discounted entries to Shows, Rallies and Events. Junior Trackdays? Novice training events? The ideas go on and on.

Great to have you along.,

I too want to plug the idea of PH track days. In fact it's such a good idea it must have happened before?

The PH Silverstone taster sessions were excellent - courteous driving, eclectic cars and a chatty paddock.

[Rawwr]

JD PH said:

thespannerman said:

Good luck! So very jealous, what I'd do for a job at PH!

Go on...

"Specifically? I don't know. Handjob?"