Meet the Team
Stuart Holt
Founder & CEO Founder & CEO
I always wanted to work somewhere that was professional and hardworking, but where they still placed an emphasis on having fun at work; I couldn’t find one, so I built one. I’m happy to say I genuinely think everyone that works for this company enjoys coming to work, and for me, that is what it is all about.
I still like to keep my hand in on the actual recruitment side of the business. The idea is to lead from the front but I have to admit the team are starting to beat me to the top of the league table.
I love to travel and having spent five years living and travelling in some very random places; from a Lion Sanctuary in Zimbabwe to the Snowy Mountains of New Zealand; I like to think I have so far made the most of life.
Email: Stuart.Holt@holtautomotivestaffing.com
LinkedIn: View Profile
Karen Wheeler
President President
As the President of Holt Automotive Staffing, I offer over 25 years of recruitment expertise, specializing in both temporary and permanent placements within the Automotive sector. My dedication lies in fostering relationships, and I derive immense satisfaction from collaborating with clients to provide solutions that genuinely enhance their businesses.
At Holt, our guiding principle is ‘Anything but Ordinary,’ a philosophy embodied daily by our skilled team as we actively seek out talent across the Dealership & Retail, Collision, and Heavy Duty / Commercial Transport sectors. Our primary focus spans the East Coast, including regions such as Florida, The Great Lakes, and The Carolinas.
It’s paramount to us that our endeavors have a positive impact and that we serve as advocates for change. This commitment is evident through our corporate partnership with the Women in Automotive Network. Supporting women in this field is a firm stance for us, reflecting the profound influence we’ve witnessed firsthand and personally resonating with me as a mother to teenage daughters!
Email: Karen.wheeler@holtautomotivestaffing.com
LinkedIn: View Profile
Rebecca Ballard
Operations Manager Operations Manager
My career started in Law where I worked, studied and progressed however I couldn’t find the love for it so I moved into practice management for law firms managing their compliance, HR and office management. From there I stepped into a more Operations focused role so headed back to school to gain further qualifications in HR to give me the ability to oversee all aspects of Operations from office management, compliance, legal and HR.
The team at Holt are lively, fun and hard working and no two days are ever the same. Everyone genuinely enjoys coming to work.
Outside of work I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes and cuisines. Also spending time with my Fiancé and friends exploring new and familiar places – followed by the pub, of course!
Email: rebecca.bamford@holtrecruitmentgroup.com
LinkedIn: View Profile
Max Sinclair
Business Manager Business Manager
Email: max@holtautomotivestaffing.com
LinkedIn: View Profile
Liam Snell
Talent Acquisition Partner Talent Acquisition Partner
With over 10 years of experience in the UK automotive sector, I’ve had the privilege of shaping successful teams within the industry. My journey includes four years in recruitment and seven years in sales, collaborating strategically with some of the nation’s largest commercial vehicle operators and car dealerships—experience that’s been instrumental in building strong relationships in the US.
At Holt Automotive Staffing, I oversee operations across Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, ensuring I deliver top-tier staffing services that meet the evolving needs of my clients.
On the personal front, I’m a family man and proud parent of two children and a dog. My interests outside of work span a variety of sports, including soccer, rugby, American football, and golf. I bring the same level of passion—from years of both playing and coaching—into my professional career in staffing.
Email: liam.snell@holtautomotivestaffing.com
LinkedIn: View Profile
Ryan Burns
Talent Acquisition Partner Talent Acquisition Partner
I specialise in recruiting across the states, leveraging my expertise in strategic headhunting to ensure my clients are presented with the best-in-class candidates that can add instant value to the organisation.
With over 6 years of recruitment experience and having partnered with Jaguar Land Rover for 3 years on their recruitment needs prior to joining Holt Automotive, I understand the importance of securing top talent to ensure business objectives are achieved. The heart of any business is It’s employees and it’s imperative to ensure that candidates values and ethos are aligned with that of the business.
A sports fanatic outside of the world of recruitment, you’ll find me training for my next Hyrox event, out on the golf course or playing Padel! Outside of sports, I’ll be walking Pablo the Cocker Spaniel or on the hunt for the best food spots I can find!
Email: ryan@holtautomotivestaffing.com
LinkedIn: View Profile
Nikki Jenkins
Finance 
Rebekah Read
Marketing Executive