The Simply Sports Cars Team
We aren’t content with just saying ‘we are a car dealership like no other’, the expertise we have within our team demonstrates that promise with a mix of race engineers and ex-motorsport team crew running our dealerships.
A car dealership that's like being part of a race car team
You will never get to meet most of the staff in other car dealerships, it is a different experience where you walk in and talk to admin or customer service staff & your relationship ends there.Â
At Simply Sports Cars you become part of the family where everyone knows each other by first name & you get to engage with our team regularly at track days, tarmac rallies or other driving events.
LEE KNAPPETT
Director
Fueled by a lifelong obsession with cars, Lee kicked off his journey in automotive engineering right in the heart of the UK, joining the iconic Roush Engineering. From high-octane racing programs to top-secret military projects, he was hands-on with machines that pushed limits. Off the clock? You’d find him wrenching on and racing Lotus cars—because for Lee, cars aren’t just work, they’re life. With a toolbox full of experience and a heart set on adventure, he made the leap to Australia and founded Simply Sports Cars—igniting a new era for Lotus Down Under. The rest? Well, that’s where the legend began.
RICHARD GIBBS
Director Sales & Strategy
With over 20 years of crushing it in sales and senior leadership, Richard brings serious horsepower to the team. From steering customer relationships to driving results as a Director and Chief Operating Officer, he’s done it all—and done it well. But here’s the best part: he doesn’t just talk the talk—he lives it. Richard’s daily driver? A Lotus, of course. For him, it’s not just business—it’s a full-throttle lifestyle.
MARK O'CONNOR
Motorsport Manager
Much like your local dentist, Mark’s rarely seen without a mask—except his comes with a helmet and a need for speed. Type “Mark O’Connor Lotus” into Google and you’ll find a highlight reel of him tearing up iconic tracks like Mount Panorama Bathurst and Sydney Motorsport Park, wringing every last drop of performance from Lotus machines.
Thinking of taking your passion for driving to the next level? When you buy a sports car from our Melbourne dealership, you’re not just getting the keys to a Lotus—you’re unlocking Mark’s treasure trove of race-proven knowledge and experience. Buckle up, you’re in for a wild ride.
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ANTHONY MUSSON
Brand Manager / GM Retail Operations
Anthony brings over 20 years of automotive industry experience, having worked with some of the most recognised brands on the road—including Alfa Romeo, Renault, Peugeot, Fiat, and more. Fueled by a strong coffee (the stronger, the better), Anthony’s passion for cars is matched only by his love of connecting with people.
A motorsport enthusiast at heart, he’s spent years behind the wheel at club-level karting and track day events. In 2019, he took it up a gear, heading to the legendary Lotus Driving Academy in Hethel to sharpen his skills even further.
Today, Anthony leads Sales and Marketing for Lotus across Victoria and Tasmania, playing a key role in shaping national strategy as part of the senior leadership team. Want a great deal and a great chat? Drop by early—with a double shot espresso—and you’re off to a flying start.
DERRICK LAO
Service Manager
Derrick brings over a decade of experience in customer-facing roles across a wide range of industries—and it’s in the fast-paced world of automotive where he’s truly found his calling.
Most recently at Tesla, Derrick earned a reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences, thanks to his natural empathy, positive energy, and talent for building real, lasting relationships. Whether he’s guiding someone through their first test drive or talking shop with fellow enthusiasts, Derrick brings genuine passion to every moment.
A lifelong car lover, he’s always had a thing for vehicle mods and early Sunday drives with like-minded revheads. Outside the showroom, you’ll likely find him tearing it up in Oz-tag or throwing down some combos in Muay Thai.
RICHIE KEARNEY
Lead Mechanic
Richie’s experience as a race mechanic is the stuff of motorsport legend. Originally from the UK, he’s travelled the world turning spanners at the highest level—serving as a #1 mechanic for top teams in A1GP, Formula Nippon, Formula Holden, and V8 Supercars, just to name a few.
Now based in Sydney, Richie brings that same race-day precision to everything he touches. His eye for detail is unmatched, and when it comes to getting a car prepped and perfected, he won’t rest until it’s 100% race ready. For Richie, it’s not just a job—it’s a lifelong obsession with performance, perfection, and speed.
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HARLEY BOSKOVIC
Engineer
Young, driven, and bursting with passion, Harley is one of those rare talents who can not only engineer high-performance parts—but also explain every nut, bolt, and function with ease. As one of our in-house Engineers, he’s played a key role in developing many of the SSC upgrades and components now being fitted to cars across the country.
Whether he’s behind a laptop or under the hood, Harley’s technical knowledge and enthusiasm for sports cars make him an invaluable part of the team—and a go-to guy for innovation, precision, and performance.
KEVIN HOWARD
Senior Sales Manager NSW
With over 20 years of experience across some of the world’s most iconic automotive brands—Rolls-Royce, McLaren, MINI, Polestar, Volvo, and more—Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and an unmistakable passion for customer experience. Whether it’s helping a client into their first Lotus or talking through the finer details of a bespoke build, Kevin does it with clarity, care, and genuine enthusiasm.
He’s serious when it comes to the craft of selling cars—but don’t let that fool you. Kevin is also the unofficial in-house DJ at SSC. Every morning starts with a curated playlist to set the tone, and let’s be clear: you don’t skip his tracks. From smooth beats to high-revving rock, his music mood matches the day—and the cars.
Equal parts professional and passionate, Kevin is all about making the buying journey as memorable as the drive itself. Just be ready to chat cars, music, and maybe swap Spotify links while you’re at it.
GEMMA GIBSON
Account Manager
The rose among the thorns, Gemma is the one who keeps us in line—and the accounts in check. Her friendly smile comes with a warning: don’t owe her money, or you’ll find out just how sharp she really is.
But spreadsheets and statements are only part of the story. When Gemma’s not in the office, you’ll probably catch her sweating it out at boot camp, swinging a kettlebell like a pro. And on weekends? She swaps gym gear for race gear, tearing up the track in her Lotus Elise S. Once the helmet’s on, it’s full throttle and fierce focus—Gemma doesn’t just compete, she means it.
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