Former JLR global fleet and charging infrastructure lead Dianne Smith has joined Vaylens as UK sales manager, driving the company’s expansion into dealership and reseller channels.

Vaylens, the charging management software brand launched by the Kostal Group, is expanding its UK presence as it helps organisations simplify and monetise EV charging networks through intelligent management, billing and access control.

The business already supports hundreds of charge points across major UK dealership groups and manages thousands more across Europe. As OEMs and dealer groups look to scale charging infrastructure, optimise energy use and manage operations more efficiently across complex site environments, this is a key growth area for the company.

In her role, Smith will lead Vaylens’ continued expansion into the dealership sector, working with OEMs, dealer groups and partners to develop EV charging propositions that are commercially viable in practice. She will also support broader partnerships across fleets and infrastructure providers.

Smith brings more than 20 years’ experience across the automotive, fleet and EV ecosystem. Most recently, she led Jaguar Land Rover’s global home-charging and BEV readiness strategy, working across retail and corporate channels to improve EV adoption and customer journeys. Prior to that, she spent 14 years at Volkswagen and Audi, providing her with an in-depth understanding of the operational and commercial complexities of dealerships.

The appointment builds on recent momentum for Vaylens, including its 2025 partnership with waEV-charge and the 2024 launch of a suite of solutions designed to make EV fleet operations more efficient and cost-effective.

Russell Olive, UK director at Vaylens, said: “As organisations scale their EV operations, the complexity of managing infrastructure, energy and day-to-day operations is increasing, and that’s where intelligent charging management software becomes critical.

“There’s also a significant untapped opportunity within the dealership market, where charging infrastructure is often underutilised. With the right approach, those assets can be better used to generate revenue and increase footfall.”

Smith said: “Many businesses are still navigating how best to approach EV charging, particularly in areas like dealerships, where requirements are evolving quickly. Dealer Groups are being asked to plan for more charging stations, rethink how sites are powered, and manage charging across multiple brands and use cases. Vaylens has a great opportunity to give organisations more visibility and control over how charging infrastructure is deployed and managed, helping them make smarter investment decisions.”