On the 13th of September 2024, Denise Harris, CEO of Ireland’s longest-established commercial vehicle distributor and retailer, Harris Group, was awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony in the City. Mrs Harris was honoured with this award in recognition of her significant contribution to the transport sector both in Ireland and the UK, and in particular her work in advancing electric vehicle sales within the City of London and across the country. Mrs Harris was nominated for the award by Vince Dignam, the Business Performance and Transport Group Manager for the City of London.
Denise Harris also received the honour in acknowledgement of her extensive charitable effort Partnering with various philanthropic groups for many years, Denise Harris and her late husband, Pino, supported, and continue to support, both local and international efforts; from community groups to humanitarian aid in areas of greatest need.
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition dating back to 1237, is awarded to individuals who have significantly achieved or contributed to public life. The proud honour is bestowed by The City of London Corporation (CLC). Freedom ceremonies take place in the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall and are usually conducted by the Clerk of the Court or his Assistant.
The Harris Group was founded by the late Robert ‘Pino’ Harris in 1962, and he is remembered as a pioneer whose legendary business acumen ultimately came to change the face of the transport industry in Ireland. Importer of the Japanese brand Hino, whose trucks soon gained a reputation for toughness and reliability, he subsequently grew the Harris brand portfolio to include Isuzu, dominating the heavy goods vehicles market.
The company has since expanded its vehicle offerings to include premium brands, SAIC MAXUS and HIGER. Harris Group employs 130 people and serves its dealers across the right-hand drive UK & European markets. It is the preferred supplier to state agencies, MNCs, SMEs and large businesses.
Accepting the award, CEO Denise Harris, remarked, “I am hugely honoured and deeply humbled to accept the Freedom of the City of London on behalf of myself, my late husband, Pino, and every person who has worked with me, both in the past and present, in the markets in which we distribute vehicles.
“As CEO of the Harris Group, since 2017, along with my team, I have endeavoured to build the company’s growth. This work involves bringing greener EV technology to the marketplace, thereby making impactful improvements in the lives of others and particularly the environment. I also am very proud of our contribution to our lifelong commitment to philanthropic activity, which remains core to our company’s mission. This has culminated in the development of a Foundation in our names, which will continue to deliver on my vision of a fairer society and support those in need.”
Source: Rockwood Public Affairs
