In the competitive world of automotive services and mobility solutions, few leaders have managed to balance operational excellence with forward-thinking innovation quite like Dave Hobday. As the Chief Executive Officer of RAC Group (Holdings) Ltd since March 2017, Hobday has played a pivotal role in steering one of the United Kingdom’s most recognisable motoring organisations into a new era of digital and customer-focused growth.
With a strong background in executive leadership across financial services, technology, and operational management, Dave Hobday has become a figure synonymous with strategic foresight, operational resilience, and sustainable business development. His leadership at RAC has not only maintained the company’s legacy of reliability but has also positioned it to thrive in an evolving transport landscape.
Early Life and Background
Born in January 1969, Dave Hobday’s early career was rooted in roles that demanded both precision and a sharp business acumen. While his formative years have not been heavily publicised, his professional record reveals a leader who embraces challenges, adapts quickly to new sectors, and thrives in high-stakes environments.
Over the years, Hobday has cultivated a wealth of experience across multiple industries, making him a versatile executive with the ability to navigate complex corporate landscapes. His early exposure to leadership roles allowed him to build a strong foundation in strategic planning, operational management, and stakeholder relations—skills that would later prove invaluable in his tenure at RAC.
Career Before RAC
Before joining RAC, Dave Hobday established himself as a respected business leader in several notable organisations. He held senior positions in financial services and payment solutions, with a strong track record in operational transformation and customer engagement.
Some of his significant career milestones prior to RAC include:
-
Managing Director at Worldpay UK Ltd and Worldpay Ltd – where he oversaw payment processing operations and spearheaded initiatives to enhance digital payment services.
-
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at Sportingbet Ltd – leading operational strategy for one of the world’s largest online betting companies at the time.
-
Director at Nebula Systems Ltd – focusing on automotive diagnostics technology, providing him with insights into the evolving technological landscape of the automotive sector.
This blend of experience in both the financial technology and automotive-related industries made Hobday an ideal candidate to lead RAC into its next phase of growth.
Appointment as RAC Group CEO
In March 2017, Dave Hobday took the helm at RAC Group (Holdings) Ltd. His appointment marked the beginning of a period of significant transformation for the company. Recognising the rapid changes in mobility, electric vehicle adoption, and customer expectations, Hobday set out a clear strategy focused on innovation, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency.
As CEO, he also assumed leadership of various RAC subsidiaries, including RAC Ltd, RAC Motoring Services Ltd, RAC Financial Services Ltd, and RAC Insurance Ltd. This comprehensive oversight allowed him to implement consistent policies and strategies across all divisions, ensuring that the company’s vision and values remained aligned.
Strategic Vision for RAC
One of Hobday’s defining leadership traits is his ability to think long-term while delivering short-term results. His strategic focus for RAC can be summarised in three key pillars:
-
Digital Transformation – Investing heavily in digital tools, including the development of the MyRAC app, which provides customers with instant access to roadside assistance, membership services, and personalised offers.
-
Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness – Leading initiatives to position RAC as a frontrunner in supporting EV drivers, including the introduction of mobile EV charging units to aid motorists who run out of charge.
-
Customer-Centric Services – Enhancing the customer journey through streamlined roadside assistance processes, improved membership packages, and value-added insurance products.
Partnership and Investment Growth
Under Hobday’s leadership, RAC secured major investment partnerships that strengthened the company’s financial position and growth potential. Notably, Silver Lake joined existing investors GIC and CVC, bringing significant capital and expertise in technology-led business growth.
This move has been crucial in enabling RAC to pursue data-driven innovation, strengthen its mobility services, and further develop infrastructure for the future of motoring in the UK.
Focus on Sustainability
Hobday’s leadership also reflects a growing commitment to sustainability. As the automotive industry transitions towards greener mobility, RAC under his guidance has aligned its services to support drivers making the switch to lower-emission vehicles. From EV charging solutions to advocating for cleaner transport policies, Hobday’s strategies are consistent with broader environmental goals while maintaining commercial viability.
Challenges and Resilience
Leading a national automotive services provider comes with significant challenges, including seasonal fluctuations in breakdown volumes, rising operational costs, and the rapid pace of technological change. Hobday has demonstrated resilience by not only maintaining RAC’s market position but also expanding its service offerings despite competitive pressures.
His ability to navigate economic uncertainty, especially during global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has reinforced his reputation as a steady and capable leader.
Industry Influence and Thought Leadership
Beyond his operational role, Dave Hobday is recognised for his contributions to the wider motoring and transport industry. His involvement extends to organisations such as the Royal Automobile Club Foundation for Motoring, which focuses on research into road safety, mobility, and sustainable transport solutions.
Hobday’s industry insights are valued in policy discussions, particularly around the integration of digital technology into motoring services and the shift towards greener mobility.
Leadership Style
Those who have worked with Dave Hobday describe him as a leader who combines strategic clarity with a collaborative approach. His leadership style is characterised by:
-
Clear Vision – Setting well-defined goals for the organisation.
-
Operational Discipline – Ensuring that day-to-day performance aligns with long-term strategy.
-
Innovation-Driven Thinking – Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methods.
-
People-Focused Management – Valuing staff development and maintaining strong team morale.
This combination has allowed RAC to retain its heritage while evolving into a modern, agile organisation.
Achievements at RAC
Some notable achievements during Hobday’s tenure include:
-
Strengthening RAC’s position as one of the UK’s leading roadside assistance providers.
-
Rolling out industry-first EV mobile charging units to address growing electric vehicle demand.
-
Expanding insurance and financial services to complement RAC’s core roadside assistance business.
-
Improving customer satisfaction scores through service innovations and improved digital platforms.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Outside of his corporate responsibilities, Hobday has shown commitment to community initiatives. He serves as Chairman of the Governing Board for Orchard Hill College, a specialist institution supporting individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities. His involvement reflects a belief in using leadership skills for positive social impact, aligning his corporate values with personal ethics.
The Future Under Hobday’s Leadership
Looking ahead, Dave Hobday is expected to continue guiding RAC through the next wave of industry transformation. With the UK’s motoring sector facing significant disruption from electrification, autonomous technology, and new mobility models, Hobday’s focus will likely remain on innovation, service diversification, and sustainable growth.
His leadership ensures that RAC not only adapts to these changes but actively shapes them, positioning the organisation as a trusted partner for motorists in a rapidly evolving transport environment.
Conclusion
Dave Hobday’s journey from seasoned executive in financial services to the helm of one of the UK’s most trusted automotive service providers is a testament to his adaptability, vision, and commitment to excellence. As CEO of RAC Group (Holdings) Ltd, he has embraced the challenge of modernising a century-old brand without losing sight of its core mission—helping motorists get back on the road quickly and safely.
Through digital transformation, investment in sustainable mobility, and a customer-first approach, Hobday has set RAC on a path of continued relevance and success in an era defined by technological disruption and changing consumer needs. His ability to balance operational demands with long-term strategic goals marks him as one of the UK’s most effective and forward-looking business leaders.
