Russell Ayling

Operations Manager

Russell Ayling joined Southdowns in September 2004. Having spent nearly 15 years in the motor industry, in sales, business development and automotive IT, most recently with DaimlerChrysler UK he believed he could bring useful experience and a range of skills to the company. He also had his own VW campervan – possibly all the qualifications required.

Q What made you decide to join the family business?
A I started to wonder why I was working all day for someone else when I could work all day for my own family!

Q What is your role at Southdowns?
If it isn't anyone else's job, then its my job.

Q Briefly describe your average working day
A There isn't one.

Q What is your first memory of travelling in a motorhome?
A Driving in a VW campervan on a road that was cut through a snow drift that was higher than our van – it was like a tunnel with no roof. I must remember to ask the Managing Director where that was – he’s probably got a slide somewhere in his collection…

Q What is the appeal for you of motorhomes?
A Being in a motorhome is like the day you pass your driving test – every day. You get to the end of the road and you realise you can decide for yourself which way to go. Even better, you can do it with your wife and children on board!

Q If you could take a motorhome anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A I’d get over the channel to mainland Europe and head east as far as I had the bottle to go – what about taking a Concorde to Mongolia?

Q If you could fulfil one ambition, what would it be?
A To get a good night's sleep.

Q Finally, tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
A I once saw Rudolf Hess, Adolf Hitler’s second in command, whilst he was still an inmate in Spandau prison in Berlin. It’s a long story – buy me a beer....

Russell lives in a dark attic in Chichester with his wife Lesley and their two children Lily and Alfie.