About Simon Knocker

Programme and Transformation Director | Automotive & Business Change Expert | Founder of thebigteam

Simon Knocker is a senior Programme, Project and Transformation Change Manager with over 20 years of experience delivering complex, cross-functional change for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. As Managing Director of thebigteam, Simon specialises in helping organisations design, implement, and embed business transformation — combining commercial insight, innovative thinking, and practical delivery expertise.

A PRINCE2 and AgilePM Practitioner, Simon has built a reputation for leading large-scale digital transformation, operating model redesign, and cultural change programmes that deliver measurable business value. His work blends strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, driving sustainable improvement through collaboration, engagement, and innovation.

Recent Work Achievements

Simon has led some of the automotive industry’s most significant transformation programmes. At Volkswagen Group UK, he directed change and programme management across five brands, guiding their transition to the agency sales model — including operating model design, dealer readiness, gamification tools, and stakeholder engagement for over 700 retailers.

For Jaguar Land Rover, he shaped a global customer service transformation through a five-year Target Operating Model strategy that delivered over £250 million in efficiency savings. He also designed and implemented Great Practice Sharing, an innovative peer-to-peer engagement programme spanning 75 filmed case studies worldwide.

Outside of automotive, Simon has led e-commerce transformation for Scobie & Junor Group and developed digital benchmarking and omnichannel strategies for Volvo Cars UK. Earlier in his career, he pioneered industry-first innovations such as Audi City London, the world’s first digital car showroom, and AudiCam, now a global standard for workshop transparency.

Skills and Expertise

Simon’s expertise spans programme leadership, business transformation, stakeholder engagement, and benefits realisation. He is recognised for his strength in:

• Business strategy and Target Operating Model design

• Agile and PRINCE2 project delivery

• Cultural transformation and organisational change

• Workshop design, facilitation, and gamification

• Business case development and ROI delivery

• Governance, coaching, and problem-solving

He brings deep knowledge of automotive retail networks, digital journeys, and AI-driven learning and simulation tools, alongside experience in e-commerce, manufacturing, and service industries.

Qualities and Approach

Simon is known for his open, collaborative leadership style and delivery-focused mindset. He thrives in dynamic environments, combining analytical rigour with creativity and empathy. His ability to bridge strategy and execution makes him a trusted partner to senior stakeholders and a catalyst for sustainable change.

Testimonials

A couple of Simon's linkedin referrals:-

“His change management expertise was invaluable, particularly in the design and delivery of large scale training and workshops. Simon doesn’t just complete the tasks at hand; he shares ideas and experience, empowers others to lead, and makes change sustainable.”
— Penny Ross-Smith, VWG UK Transformation Lead​

“Simon first worked with me whilst I was at JLR. Within days of working with him a load was taken away from me as he could lead complex changes and solve difficult problems with pragmatic and innovative solutions. His style bringing energy, fun and making change easier for the business was refreshing.”
— Anna McGhee, Global Team, Jaguar Land Rover​

“His process improvement was legendary, and with a focus on measurable results, people were queuing up for his help when he worked for me whilst I was at Audi UK. He also helped me when I was building @Objectivity (now Accenture) and we worked together delivering solutions for Volkswagen and others. I will definitely work with Simon again.”

— Peter Brookes-Smith, Managing Director, Objectivity

Passions and Personal Interests

Away from work, Simon is an adventurous sports enthusiast. He’s a qualified RYA Skipper, windsurfing and ski instructor, and enjoys sailing, skiing, and wakeboarding with his family. Whether leading a mountain expedition or a boardroom transformation, Simon thrives on energy, challenge, and delivering impact.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonknocker/

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