This is a newly created position for Ryland since its management buyout in 2003 and provides corporate customers with a central point of contact for several prestige brands. Thomas joins the company from Pendragon and brings over 15 years corporate experience in prestige automotive and fleet management markets to the team. “Having a dedicated resource for organisations and the larger leasing companies will enable us to develop the corporate and fleet business more effectively across the group,” he said.

- Kia Motors has restructured its field support teams and has appointed two new area managers as a result. Thomas Tollet and Andrew Sellars will head the initiative. Kia said the new structure would provide more support for dealer issues and improve communication between the dealer and manufacturer. Tollet will be responsible for the north of the country and Sellars will look after the Midlands and the south.

- Skoda is doubling the number of field staff in its business sales team from three to six. In addition to doubling its number of staff at head office — one of whom will be working exclusively for national contract hire and leasing companies — Skoda will also increase its number of business sales centres around the country from 30 to 40.

- Paul Gozzard has been promoted to Nissan's light commercial vehicle fleet sales manager. Gozzard has worked for the brand for two years as LCV sales manager for the north and will now take on the national role. He replaces Nick Andrews who has headed the fleet van team since its formation in 2002. Gozzard said: “I am looking forward to stepping up to the challenge my new role presents and heading up an experienced teams of area sales managers.”